Recent developments in Azerbaijan-Pakistan military cooperation have drawn attention from France and India. The collaboration between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, particularly in the military domain, has led to significant advancements in Azerbaijan’s defense industry. Let’s delve into the details:
- Historical Ties: Over two decades of cooperation between the defense ministries of Azerbaijan and Pakistan have paved the way for ongoing joint efforts. High-ranking representatives from both countries have engaged in working meetings, discussing crucial matters related to defense.
- Trilateral Military Exercises: Notably, discussions have taken place regarding trilateral military exercises involving Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan. Pakistan, standing alongside Turkey, supported Azerbaijan during the Patriotic War. Furthermore, Pakistan does not recognize Armenia as a state since the occupation period in the 1990s.
- Weaponry and Air Supremacy: The recent deal between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, worth $1.6 billion, involves exporting JF-17C Block-III warplanes to Azerbaijan. These aircraft are equipped with air-to-surface missiles, enhancing Azerbaijan’s air supremacy over Armenia’s aging Russian-designed fighter jets.
- India and France Concerns: However, not all nations view Azerbaijan’s progress favorably. France and India, which have provided military support to Armenia, perceive the Azerbaijan-Pakistan military cooperation as a threat. India’s longstanding supply of weapons to Armenia, even on credit, underscores its strategic interests in the South Caucasus.
In this geopolitical landscape, tensions persist, and the delicate balance between security and international relations remains a challenge. As Azerbaijan strengthens its defense capabilities, neighboring countries closely monitor the situation, mindful of the implications for regional stability.
