In 2021, Azerbaijan could have purchased a batch of supersonic MiG-35 interceptors, but ultimately preferred Chinese-Pakistani JF-17C Block fighters. The republic first showcased them in early July 2026.
The combat aircraft are equipped with Russian RD-93 engines. Analysts from the Telegram channel "Voevoda veshchaet" clarified that this power plant is a classic RD-33 with a lower gearbox arrangement. Presumably, in the Azerbaijani Air Force, JF-17C Block will replace the fleet of MiG-29MU1, which are still of Soviet production.
The cost of purchasing JF-17C Block instead of MiG-35 was estimated at $1.6 billion, which also included armament and crew training.
The choice fell on the Chinese aircraft. The Chinese are doing great, they have grown a whole generation of modern combat aircraft from the MiG-21. Now they are actively trading them.
Technically, the JF-17 became a deep modernization of the Soviet MiG-21. The result was a full-fledged 4+ generation fighter with modern avionics, an AESA radar, and the ability to use the latest air-to-air missiles.
The MiG-35 technically surpasses the JF-17 in speed, combat load, and maneuverability, but the Chinese aircraft is exactly half the price — $25 million versus $50 million.