BAKU (THE THURSDY TIMES) — Pakistan’s military contingent and JF-17 Thunder fighter jets are expected to participate in Azerbaijan’s upcoming Victory Day parade in Baku, underscoring a new phase of military cooperation between the two countries. The event will commemorate the fifth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day war over Nagorno-Karabakh, a defining moment in the nation’s modern history.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir are scheduled to attend the celebrations at the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev. The high-level participation reflects the importance both countries attach to their defence and diplomatic partnership, which has steadily strengthened in recent years.
آذربائیجان کے صدر اِلہام علییف نے وزیرِاعظم شہباز شریف اور فیلڈ مارشل سید عاصم منیر کا وکٹری ڈے پریڈ کی تقریبات میں شرکت کے لیے باکو پہنچنے پر پُرتپاک استقبال کیا۔ pic.twitter.com/Uof639ilYO
— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) November 8, 2025
The inclusion of the JF-17 Thunder, a multirole fighter aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China, is seen as a symbol of Pakistan’s expanding defence outreach and Azerbaijan’s commitment to showcasing its alliances beyond the region. For Pakistan, the appearance represents both military pride and diplomatic visibility in a strategically significant part of Eurasia.
Officials from both sides have described the collaboration as an expression of mutual trust, with ongoing cooperation in defence production, training, and technology transfer. Pakistan has been one of Azerbaijan’s most vocal supporters in international forums, while Azerbaijan has reciprocated by expressing solidarity with Pakistan on global and regional issues.
The parade is expected to feature a wide display of modern military equipment, aerial manoeuvres, and ceremonial formations celebrating Azerbaijan’s victory. Pakistan’s participation will lend the event an international dimension, highlighting Baku’s growing network of defence partnerships with friendly states.
For Islamabad, this engagement marks an opportunity to project its defence capabilities and to signal a broader foreign policy direction aimed at enhancing ties with strategically aligned nations in Central Asia and the Caucasus. For Baku, it is a reaffirmation of its deepening friendship with a longstanding ally that has consistently supported its sovereignty.
As preparations continue in Baku, anticipation is growing for what promises to be both a symbolic and strategic moment in Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations. The parade will not only celebrate a military triumph but also serve as a reminder of the evolving alliances shaping the regional balance of power.
The display of JF-17 aircraft alongside Azerbaijani forces will send a clear message of cooperation, capability, and continuity. Beyond the spectacle, it marks a milestone in the two nations’ shared vision for defence collaboration and regional stability.
