China's equipment is making waves again, Azerbaijan has purchased 40 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets for $4.2 billion, with a unit price close to twice that of the J-10C.
The conclusion of the India-Pakistan air combat has seen China's fighters, radars, electronic devices, drones, and other equipment start becoming the new darlings of the world, in a sense becoming absolute internet sensations. While the world's attention was focused on the J-10C and J-35, our co-produced JF-17 Thunder fighter jets have gone viral online, successfully securing a large order. Reports indicate that Azerbaijan has sent a surprising order to the China-Pakistan co-developed JF-17 Thunder fighters.
Reports suggest that Azerbaijan has significantly increased its order for the JF-17 BLOCK3 fighters from 16 to 40 aircraft, with the entire contract reaching $4.2 billion, with a unit price exceeding $100 million, nearly double the $60 million price tag of the J-10C. This is an absolutely shocking piece of news because the JF-17 Thunder fighter has historically lacked competitiveness in the international market, even at lower prices it was hard to gain favor. This time, Azerbaijan has placed a $4.2 billion order in one go, with a unit price exceeding $100 million, setting a precedent.
The JF-17 BLOCK3 fighter has garnered favor from Azerbaijan not due to the fighter itself but rather due to the system behind it. Azerbaijan is interested in the JF-17 Thunder's配套 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles, all of which are thanks to China. On the surface, it appears that Azerbaijan is purchasing Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder fighters, but in reality, they are placing a large order with China.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833082103650440/
Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's personal views.