Azerbaijan Showcases Chinese HQ-9 Air Defense Missile, Pakistan’s JF-17 Jets in Grand Military Parade

At Azerbaijan’s military parade in Baku, Chinese-made HQ-9BE air defence missiles and Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder jets took center stage, reflecting growing defence ties among Asian nations. The HQ-9BE, capable of intercepting stealth aircraft and missiles, showcases China’s expanding global defence footprint, while Pakistan’s JF-17 jets highlight its rising role in international collaboration. Experts say the strong performance of Chinese and Pakistani systems is earning global recognition for Asian military technology.

Baku / Islamabad — November 10, 2025: Azerbaijan’s annual military parade at Azadlig Square showcased cutting edge international equipment, including China’s HQ-9BE long range air defense missile system and Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets marking a symbolic display of growing military cooperation among the three countries.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), the HQ-9BE system, recently inducted into Azerbaijan’s armed forces, rolled past the reviewing stand as part of the missile columns during the parade. Developed by China’s state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), the HQ-9BE was first unveiled at Airshow China 2021 and is capable of intercepting both stealth aircraft and tactical ballistic missiles.

Footage released by Baku TV confirmed the participation of HQ-9BE transporter-erector-launcher vehicles, underlining Azerbaijan’s modernization push in layered air defence capabilities.

While Beijing has not formally announced the sale, the system’s presence indicates deepening defence-technology cooperation between China and Azerbaijan part of a broader pattern of Chinese air defence exports gaining international visibility.

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Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder Jets Join Fly-Past

Adding to the parade’s highlight, five JF-17 Thunder fighter jets jointly developed by Pakistan and China performed a formation fly past over Baku. The aircraft were recently inducted into the Azerbaijani Air Force under a 2024 defence contract between Islamabad and Baku.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed on Saturday that Pakistani troops and aircraft were participating in the event, calling it “a moment of pride for Pakistan’s defence industry.”

The JF-17 Block III variant the latest model featuring AESA radar and enhanced avionics represents a key export success for Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra, strengthening Islamabad’s role as a reliable defence partner in the region.

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Expert: Chinese Systems Winning Global Recognition

Wang Ya’nan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told China’s Global Times that Chinese systems such as the HQ-9BE, HQ-22, and HQ-17 have earned credibility through operational performance and advanced engineering.

He noted that the HQ-9BE’s capability to intercept multiple aerial threats including ballistic missiles makes it a “formidable component in multi-layered air defence networks.”

Similarly, CASIC spokesperson Wang Wengang emphasized the HQ-9BE’s adaptability for both homeland and field operations, citing its strong anti-saturation defense, broad coverage, and user-friendly interface.

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China’s Responsible Export Policy

In a statement last month, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang reiterated that China maintains a “prudent and responsible” policy toward arms exports.
“We are willing to share the achievements of modernization with peace loving countries and jointly maintain regional and global stability,” he said.

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A Broader Pattern of Cooperation

The HQ-9BE’s debut in Azerbaijan follows similar displays of Chinese-made HQ-22 and HQ-17 missile systems at Serbia’s 2024 military parade, highlighting a trend of Beijing’s defence exports gaining strategic partners beyond Asia.

For Pakistan, Azerbaijan’s acquisition of the JF-17 Thunder represents a milestone in Islamabad’s defence diplomacy extending cooperation from production to regional security engagement.

Analysts in Islamabad view the combined presence of Chinese and Pakistani systems in Baku as “symbolic of a shifting defence alignment built around performance, reliability, and strategic trust.”