UNIPATH STAFF
Pakistan and Azerbaijan have for years enjoyed close economic, cultural and political ties. Pakistan was among the first states to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the two countries signed a defense agreement in 2003 allowing Azerbaijani military staff to participate in annual military drills with Pakistani Armed Forces.
As a part of the agreement, Azerbaijani naval personnel participated in the biggest Pakistani-led multinational exercise, AMAN 2013, in March 2013 in the Arabian Sea. In addition, Pakistan and Azerbaijan plan to hold bilateral military exercises, according to comments from Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during a visit to Azerbaijan in October 2016.
In recent years, Baku has sought to expand this military partnership. Both countries share concerns about border security and the growing threat of global terrorism. Despite differences in their militaries and defense industries, Pakistan and Azerbaijan view military cooperation as a means to build regional security.
Recently, Azerbaijan expressed interest in buying Pakistan-made weapons, including the JF-17 Thunder aircraft. Pakistan produces the JF-17 as an affordable and modern substitute for French-made Mirage III and F7 interceptors.
Azerbaijani officials may also seek to acquire MFI-395 Super Mushshak trainer jets, according to Pakistani media. In addition, Baku has expressed interest in jointly producing small firearms, guided munitions, and anti-tank missiles with Pakistan.
Source: The Diplomat