2024-10-08 14:01:59
YEREVAN: India and Pakistan are increasing the air power of arch rivals and enemies Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought many wars among themselves and tension still persists between them. In such a situation, both the countries are continuously increasing their military capabilities. On September 25, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev was photographed sitting in the cockpit of a Pakistani JF-17C Block III that arrived at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in the capital Baku. During this, Aliyev confirmed the rumors that have been going on for years that his country will buy JF-17 fighter aircraft from Pakistan.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan made a deal
The day after the incident, the Pakistan Army announced the signing of a contract to sell single-engine, multirole combat aircraft to Azerbaijan. However, during this time the cost or how many fighter aircraft are included in the contract was not disclosed. In February, sources in Azerbaijani and Pakistani media were quoted as claiming that Azerbaijan had signed a $1.6 billion deal for the JF-17, but again the number of jets was not disclosed.
Azerbaijan will be equipped with JF-17
The JF-17 deal is a lifeline for Azerbaijan’s modest air force. JF-17 fighter aircraft is equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array, AESA radar. In such a situation, the ability of this aircraft to see in the sky increases significantly. Azerbaijan’s air force so far consisted of only a dozen MiG-29 and less than 40 subsonic Su-25 Frogfoot attack aircraft.
Will India upgrade Armenian Su-30?
This news comes after Indian media reports that Armenia is seeking India’s help to upgrade its small fleet of only four Russian Su-30SM aircraft. These are the only fighter planes that Armenia has. India manufactures the SU-3-MKI variant under license. As such, he is an ideal candidate to help upgrade Armenia’s Su-30SM.
Armenia wants to make SU-30 super powerful
According to reports, Armenia wants superior AESA radar, new avionics and weapons. India produces indigenous Beyond Visual Range Astra air-to-air missiles, which can operate with the Su-30. In such a situation, there is a possibility that India may sell those weapons to Armenia. Such upgrades could help Armenia’s twin-engine, sleek and supermaneuverable Flankers maintain their technological edge against Azerbaijan’s shiny new JF-17.
Armenia is continuously buying arms from India
Armenia has already purchased advanced weapons from India. It also includes the Akash medium-range air defense system. Armenia is reportedly considering purchasing other systems. In recent years, Armenia has tried to diversify its military procurement sources to reduce its overdependence on Russian hardware. As part of this process, it also acquired Mistral short-range air defense missiles and Caesar howitzers from France.