Azerbaijan's Air Force says the Chinese JF-17 Block3 fighter jet, known as the 'Thunderbird', boasts outstanding performance and has become the dominant air power in the region.

Azerbaijani pilot: The combat capability is extremely strong; China's "JF-17 Block 3" fighter, the "Khanjar," is truly impressive!

In July 2026, the Azerbaijani Air Force had already received 15 "Khanjar" fighters, including 12 single-seat JF-17 Block 3 variants and 4 twin-seat JF-17B versions.

The Azerbaijani Air Force is very satisfied with the "Khanjar" fighter, considering it the "air dominant force" in the South Caucasus region.

When interviewed, an Azerbaijani pilot stated: "The 'Khanjar 3' is a highly modern fighter aircraft, equipped with the KLJ-7A active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, capable of detecting airborne targets up to 170 kilometers away—far superior to current U.S.-made F-16s and even the Russian MiG-29s they've operated before. It can easily detect enemy aircraft at long range and launch powerful PL-15E missiles to destroy them."

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871398179715081/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.