SOURCE: AFI
On September 25, Azerbaijani President and Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev officially welcomed the new JF-17C (Block-III) fighter jets into service with the country’s Air Force. Developed in collaboration between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), the advanced, all-weather multi-role aircraft is expected to significantly enhance Azerbaijan’s military capabilities.
The acquisition of the JF-17C (Block-III) has placed Armenia under increasing pressure to counter Azerbaijan’s growing air power. Armenia, a close ally of India, currently operates a fleet of four Su-30SM and 16 Sukhoi Su-25 aircraft, which primarily serve as ground attack aircraft. To maintain a balanced military posture in the region, India may consider offering Armenia its LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jet as a potential solution.
The LCA-Tejas Mk1A, a single-engine, lightweight fighter aircraft, has advanced avionics and weapons systems. It could provide Armenia with a much-needed air defence capability and serve as a deterrent against potential aggression from Azerbaijan. However, the decision to supply the LCA-Tejas Mk1A to Armenia would involve careful consideration of various factors, including the geopolitical implications, the cost-benefit analysis, and the potential impact on India’s domestic defence industry.
As the regional power dynamics shift, India’s response to Azerbaijan’s acquisition of the JF-17C (Block-III) will be closely watched by observers. The decision to provide military assistance to Armenia could have far-reaching consequences for the balance of power in the South Caucasus region.