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Azerbaijani JF-17s get Turkish Merlin IR and Peregrine BVRAAM

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The Azerbaijan Air Force is set to receive Turkish Merlin IR [Bozdoğan] air-to-air missiles and Peregrine [Gökdoğan] beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles [BVRAAM] for their Sino-Pakistani JF-17-C Block III Thunder fighter jets, as reported by Turkish Century Defense magazine on their X account. In addition to these powerful munitions, Azerbaijani fighters will be equipped with advanced Turkish avionics, according to the same source.

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Photo credit: EurAsian Times

“JF17-C Block-3 Thunder fighter aircraft Azerbaijan is getting from Pakistan will reportedly have several Turkish avionics as well as weapon systems such as Bozdogan IIR & Gokdogan radar-guided missiles.”

This integration of Turkish missiles is made possible through the ongoing defense collaboration between Turkey and Pakistan. It is noteworthy that Pakistan and Turkey have been strengthening their defense cooperation, especially in missile technology, as highlighted by BulgarianMilitary.com.

Azerbaijani JF-17s get Turkish Merlin IR and Peregrine BVRAAM
Photo credit: X

The collaboration on air-to-air missile [A2A] programs marks a pivotal advancement in their bilateral defense relations. In Turkey, leading players include Roketsan and TÜBİTAK SAGE, while in Pakistan, it’s the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex [PAC] and the National Engineering and Scientific Commission [NESCOM] that spearhead these efforts.

This partnership feeds into broader modernization programs for the air forces of both nations. Both Pakistan and Turkey aim to develop missiles that stand shoulder to shoulder with modern Western systems, focusing on cutting-edge technologies like beyond-visual-range [BVR] capabilities and advanced maneuverability. A crucial element of this cooperation is technology transfer, which holds significant importance for Pakistan. 

Turkey’s advanced defense industry acts as both a model and a technological resource that Pakistan can adapt and integrate into its own defense sector. This partnership includes training, joint exercises, and the potential for future joint ventures in other missile technology domains.

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Photo credit: PAF

Specific projects under this cooperation involve developing the Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan air-to-air missiles, with potential adaptations to meet the operational needs of the Pakistan Air Force [PAF]. These missiles are expected to be deployed on platforms like Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and possibly Turkey’s TF-X fighter project.

Azerbaijan has decided to purchase 24 JF-17-C Block III Thunder fighter jets, with the first delivery anticipated next year. The entire order is expected to be fulfilled by the end of 2027. The inclusion of these two Turkish air-to-air missiles will undoubtedly boost confidence in the capabilities of the Azerbaijani fighters and their pilots.

Turkey’s defense industry has made significant progress in air-to-air missile technology with the development of the Bozdoğan and Gökdoğan missiles, both crafted by TÜBİTAK SAGE. The Bozdoğan, a short-range, within-visual-range [WVR] missile, is designed for close-quarters dogfighting. Measuring approximately 3 meters in length, it features a solid-fuel rocket motor that provides the rapid acceleration needed for short-range engagements.

Azerbaijani JF-17s get Turkish Merlin IR and Peregrine BVRAAM
Photo credit: X

The missile uses an infrared homing guidance system to lock onto the heat signatures of enemy aircraft. This makes it highly effective in combat scenarios where targets are close. With an operational range of up to 25 kilometers and a high-explosive fragmentation warhead, it ensures significant damage upon impact.

On the other hand, the Gökdoğan missile is built for medium-range, beyond-visual-range [BVR] engagements. It’s slightly larger, at about 3.7 meters in length, and uses a solid-fuel rocket motor to reach the speed and range needed to strike distant targets. 

The Gökdoğan features an advanced guidance system combining inertial navigation, midcourse updates via data link, and an active radar seeker for terminal phase targeting. This allows it to engage enemy aircraft at ranges of up to 65 kilometers. Its larger warhead, weighing between 20 and 25 kilograms, is also a high-explosive fragmentation type, designed to destroy or disable aircraft from long distances.

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Photo credit: Pakistan Air Force

These indigenous missile systems elevate Turkey’s air combat capabilities, providing a significant advantage in both close-quarters and long-range engagements. The creation of the Bozdoğan and Gökdoğan underscores Turkey’s dedication to achieving greater self-reliance in advanced military technologies. This effort not only reduces dependency on foreign suppliers but also bolsters its defense exports.

These missiles are poised to play a pivotal role in modernizing Turkey’s air force. They are also likely to draw interest from allied nations seeking cost-effective, advanced air-to-air missile solutions. This appears to be precisely the scenario with the Azerbaijani JF-17 Block III fighters.

 

BULGARIAN MILITARY

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