Category: Azer News

A meeting was held with entrepreneurs to discuss business establishment and development, and their opinions and suggestions were heard, Azernews reports.

Organized by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA) and supported by the Shirvan City Executive Authority, the meeting brought together local entrepreneurs from the district. Nearly 80 businesspeople engaged in agriculture, industry, and livestock sectors attended, along with representatives of government institutions.

At the meeting, Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of SMBDA’s Board of Directors, and Ilgar Abbasov, Head of the Shirvan City Executive Authority, provided detailed information about entrepreneurial activities in the district, the favorable business environment, state support programs, and the region’s economic potential. Within the framework of the public-private partnership platform, it was noted that the district has significant potential not only in traditional industries but also in trade, logistics, and services. Entrepreneurs operating in Shirvan and surrounding cities and districts were informed that they could turn to SMBDA for support in establishing businesses or expanding existing operations, including information, consulting, coordination, and other assistance.

The meeting provided a platform for entrepreneurs to share their opinions and suggestions, and an exchange of views was held on the issues raised. Discussions included allocation of land for enterprise construction, connecting greenhouse farms to utility services, provision of preferential loans, and other topics, with questions from entrepreneurs answered during the session.

SMBDA representatives also visited a tailoring workshop owned by Seyidzaman Samedov in Shirvan and the roofing production facility of ‘Teodoro’ LLC in Hajigabul. During these visits, they engaged with entrepreneurs and exchanged ideas on business development.

One of the priority areas of activity of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation is the large-scale promotion of the historical, cultural, and literary heritage of the Turkic world and its transmission to future generations. In pursuing this mission, the Foundation implements publishing projects of a high international standard and consistently presents its publications at prestigious book fairs and cultural platforms around the world.

Over the past two years, the Foundation has established five new book series: ‘Outstanding Figures of the Turkic World’, ‘Literary Pearls of the Turkic World’, ‘Scholarly Pearls of the Turkic World’, ‘Historical Pearls of the Turkic World’ and ‘Diplomatic Pearls of the Turkic World’.

The first publication in the ‘Outstanding Figures of the Turkic World’ series was the book ‘Heydar Aliyev and Muhammad Fuzuli’, which includes decrees and orders of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, his speeches, as well as photographs related to the jubilees of the great poet Muhammad Fuzuli. The book was published to mark the 530th anniversary of the poet. Another publication in this series was a collection of articles by the classic of 20th-century Azerbaijani literature Mir Jalal entitled ‘The World of Nizami Ganjavi’. Both publications were issued in the Azerbaijani language.

Within the Scholarly Pearls of the Turkic World series, the fundamental work of Mahmud al-Kashgari, ‘Divan Lughat al-Turk’, was published in Russian with extensive scholarly commentary. The presentation of the book took place in France at a conference jointly organized with UNESCO on the occasion of the 950th anniversary of the work’s creation. The materials of the presentation and the academic conference were also published as a separate volume. In the same series, the book ‘History Carved in Stone’ by the renowned Kazakh scholar Darkhan Kydyrali, dedicated to inscriptions on monuments of the Turkic world, was published.

This year, within the ‘Historical Pearls of the Turkic World’ series, the scholarly work ‘The Gem of Wisdom’ by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, was published. In addition, the Foundation released the book ‘Shusha – Historical and Cultural Heritage’ by the well-known researcher Elchin Ahmadov, dedicated to the past and present of the city of Shusha, one of Azerbaijan’s most important historical and cultural centers, which has played an exceptional role in the development of the nation’s culture, arts, and spiritual life. Another notable publication in this series is the collection of scholarly articles ‘Coryphaei’ by the prominent Kazakh scholar Sautbek Abdrakhmanov.

The Foundation attaches special importance to anniversary events held in accordance with the Decrees and Orders of the Presidents of the Turkic countries. For example, guided by the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, dated October 22, 2025, ‘On the Celebration of the Centennial of the First Turkological Congress’, the Foundation prepared for publication the book ‘The First Turkological Congress’ by Nizami Jafarov, Mahira Huseynova, and Aysel Garibli in three languages – Azerbaijani, Kazakh, and Russian.

In the Literary Pearls of the Turkic World series, in 2024 the ghazals of the great poet Muhammad Fuzuli were translated into Kazakh and published under the title ‘Ghazals and Gasidas of Muhammad Fuzuli’. The presentation of the book took place during the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Kazakhstan. Also presented in Turkmenistan and at the 10th Baku International Book Fair were other publications of this series: the poetry collection ‘I’m in love’ by the outstanding Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy (in Turkmen and Azerbaijani), the novel ‘Special Assignment’ by the renowned Kazakh writer Kemel Tokayev, the work ‘My Name Is Kozha’ by the Kazakh author Berdibek Sokpakbayev, and the book of philosophical parables and essays ‘The Long-Awaited Happiness’ by Kazakh public figure Malik Otarbayev.

This year, the poetry collection ‘From Time to Time’ by the outstanding Kyrgyz classic Alykul Osmonov was published in Kyrgyz and Azerbaijani, with presentations held in Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan. In 2025, to mark the 100th anniversary of the People’s Poet of Azerbaijan Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh, his work ‘The Sword That Pierces Us Ourselves’ was published in Azerbaijani and Turkish and presented in Azerbaijan and Trkiye. Another publication in the Literary Pearls of Turkic Literature series was the historical novel ‘Gultakin Khagan’ by Elchin Huseynbeyli, Secretary of the Writers’ Union of Azerbaijan, dedicated to the era of the Göktrks.

The Foundation also pays special attention to multilingual publications. This year, on the instructions of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the 180th anniversary of the outstanding Kazakh poet, great thinker, and educator Abai Kunanbayev is being widely celebrated at the international level. In this regard, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation has made a significant contribution by publishing the multilingual collection ‘Selected Poems’ in Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkish, Uzbek, Turkmen, and Hungarian. The book ‘Our Magzhan’, dedicated to the outstanding Kazakh poet Magzhan Zhumabayev, was published in Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkish, Uzbek, English, and Russian. This year, the novel ‘The Year of the Wolf, or We in Turkestan’ by Askar Kumyran was also translated from Kazakh into Azerbaijani and published.

Recognizing the importance of academic conferences on the literary and cultural heritage of the Turkic world, the Foundation published as a separate book the proceedings of the conference ‘From Ashig Alasgar to Uzeyir Hajibeyli: Cultural Codes of the Turkic World’, dedicated to the 140th anniversary of Uzeyir Hajibeyli.

The Foundation pays particular attention to the diplomatic heritage of the Turkic world. The work ‘The Ambassador’s Manifesto’ by the distinguished Azerbaijani diplomat and statesman Hafiz Pashayev has been translated into the Kazakh language. In addition, the book ‘Ethnic Roots of the Azerbaijani and Hungarian Peoples’ by the renowned Azerbaijani statesman Hasan Hasanov has been prepared for publication, and the study ‘Azerbaijan-Georgian Relations (1918-1922)’ by historian Fakhri Valehoghlu has been published.

The Foundation also places great importance on encyclopedic publications. Last year, in cooperation with the Baku Music Academy, the atlas ‘National Musical Instruments of the Turkic Countries’ was published. Another such project was the book ‘Ajami Nakhchivani – A Genius of Azerbaijan’s Architectural Heritage’, prepared jointly with the Union of Architects of Azerbaijan and presented at UNESCO Headquarters.

Continuing its systematic work in this field and going beyond the framework of the aforementioned series, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation is implementing a multi-volume, multilingual publishing project – the Anthology ‘Heritage of Turkic Folklore’, carried out within the framework of the instructions of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and supported by the Leaders of all Turkic States.

For the first time in global scholarly practice, this Anthology represents a unified, fundamental academic publication. The project is designed for three years and envisages the publication of 21 volumes in print and digital formats. At the first stage, five books of the first volume, dedicated to the heroic epics of the Turkic world, have already been published. For the first time, the anthology brings together within a unified concept the most significant examples of epics, myths, legends, traditions, and folklore of the Turkic peoples in a multinational and multilingual format, forming an integral corpus of their oral heritage and ensuring its preservation and international promotion.

Another important publication of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation this year was the first multilingual Catalogue of the Cultural Heritage of the Turkic World – ‘The Cultural Code of the Turkic World’. This edition was created in close cooperation with international experts and researchers and is distinguished by the fact that all presented materials were officially approved by the Foundation’s member states: each country presented its heritage objects in its national language, emphasizing authenticity and respect for its own cultural traditions. The catalogue was prepared by an authoritative international editorial team and produced in a popular-scientific format, making it accessible to a wide audience – from specialists to young people and schoolchildren.

The catalogue covers seven countries – Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Trkiye, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Hungary, featuring ten tangible and intangible cultural heritage items from each Turkic country, for a total of 70 unique monuments and traditions. These include iconic historical sites, cultural landscapes, traditions, and crafts which, taken together, reflect the spiritual unity of the Turkic world and the diversity of its cultural expressions shaped at the crossroads of history, geography, and civilizational routes.

By publishing and translating into various world languages the works of Nizami Ganjavi, Alisher Navoi, Muhammad Fuzuli, Abay Kunanbayev, Magzhan Zhumabayev, Magtymguly Pyragy, Alykul Osmonov, Chingiz Aitmatov, Ashig Veysel, Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh, and many other classics, the Foundation widely promotes Turkic literary heritage. The Foundation also prepares special editions for children, including ‘The World of Nizami Ganjavi of Children’, ‘The Rainbow of the Turkic World’ (Turkic folk tales), ‘My Name Is Kozha’ by Berdibek Sokpakbayev, and others.

All publications issued by the Foundation are accompanied by presentation events, round tables, and academic conferences featuring in-depth discussions of the books, as well as artistic and literary performances based on selected excerpts. The published works are donated to national libraries of Turkic countries, thereby contributing to the promotion of common Turkic heritage, raising international awareness, and expanding access to the cultural legacy of the Turkic world among a broad global audience.

In conclusion, we would like to note that over the past two years, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation has published approximately 50 books within the aforementioned series and other publishing projects, making a significant contribution to the preservation and international promotion of the literary and cultural heritage of the Turkic world.

Building on the achievements attained, the Foundation will continue its systematic work in this area, expanding publishing and cultural-educational initiatives aimed at promoting the literary and historical-cultural heritage of the Turkic world.

The final master classes planned for 2025 by the Culture Ministry’s Scientific, Methodological and Qualification Center for Culture (MEMIM) have been organized in the city of Yevlakh, Azernews reports.

Students and teachers from music and art schools in the Yevlakh, Agdash, Goychay, Kurdamir, Ujar, and Zardab districts, as well as the city of Mingachevir, which are under the jurisdiction of the Central-Aran Regional Department of Culture, participated in the master classes in the specialties of accordion and khananda (mugham singing). The events were held with the support of the Central-Aran Regional Department of Culture.

Lala Karimova, Head of the MEMIM Department and Honored Cultural Worker, noted that the goal of the master classes, dedicated to the 140th anniversary of the great composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, is to contribute to raising the educational standards in music and art schools operating under the Culture Ministry. She emphasized the project’s importance in enriching students’ musical tastes, instilling professional skills, and enhancing both the theoretical and practical knowledge of teachers.

The master class in accordion was conducted by Sarhan Abiev, Associate Professor, Honored Artist, and lecturer at the Department of Folk Instruments of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts. The master class in mugham was led by Sevinj Sariyeva, Honored Artist, soloist at the International Mugham Center, and lecturer at the Music College of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory.

During the master classes, teachers provided recommendations based on students’ performances and answered questions from the audience. At the conclusion, a copy of the book “Asaf Zeynalli. Selected Works”, compiled by MEMIM, was donated to the school library.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.

The Azerbaijani side has released a statement in response to an interim announcement published by Kazakhstan marking the anniversary of the crash involving an aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), Azernews reports, citing Azertag.

The statement notes that the investigation into the crash of an Embraer 190-100 IGW passenger aircraft is ongoing in line with Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. The inquiry is being conducted by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport with the participation of representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Azerbaijan, Brazil, and Russia. In parallel, investigative authorities from three countries-Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia-are carrying out criminal investigations into the incident within their respective jurisdictions.

In accordance with ICAO requirements, Kazakhstan published a preliminary report on February 4 of this year. The preliminary report presented only the facts identified at that stage and did not include any analysis or conclusions.

It was not possible to complete the final report-expected to contain the results of the investigation conducted under the Chicago Convention-by the date marking the anniversary of the crash. For this reason, Kazakhstan released an interim statement to the public in compliance with ICAO procedures.

The interim statement emphasizes that the oxygen cylinders remained undamaged, thereby ruling out the possibility of an internal explosion. It also notes that foreign metal objects identified as fragments of an explosive device that damaged the aircraft were linked to a weapons system. However, the interim statement does not specify the model of that weapons system. It is recalled that the affiliation of the weapons system with Russia’s air defense forces had already been acknowledged in a political statement by the President of the Russian Federation.

At the next stage, the Kazakh side is expected to present the final report reflecting the completed investigation. Unlike the interim statement, the final report should be more detailed, incorporating all factual findings, an analysis of the causes of the crash, and recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has organized an annual celebration for children in need of special care on the eve of World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Year.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Arzu Aliyeva, and Alena Aliyeva attended the event.

Children with disabilities from various orphanages and boarding schools, along with children from families of martyrs, were invited to the festive celebration titled ‘The New Year Wonders’.

The Gulustan Palace, festively decorated, welcomed the children with fairy-tale characters, providing them with the opportunity to transform into their favorite characters with the help of ‘face art’.

The festivities began with the screening of a video highlighting the care of National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev for children and his participation in the festive celebrations on the occasion of World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Year, as well as Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva’s meetings and interactions with children.

The children enjoyed the event by dancing and singing songs in a festively decorated hall, accompanied by famous artists, as well as characters from beloved fairy tales and cartoons.

Concluding the entertainment program, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation presented holiday gifts to the children.

The draw for the new season of the Azerbaijan Basketball Cup has taken place, Azernews reports.

The event was held at the Baku Sports Palace and began with the performance of the National Anthem. This was followed by the screening of a video presentation about the teams that will compete in the cup. Afterwards, the draw ceremony was conducted.

Based on the results of the draw, the teams “Absheron,” “Sabah,” “Ordu,” and “Ganja” will begin their campaign from the quarterfinal stage. In the round of 16, “Shaki” will face Sarhadchi,” “Neftchi” will play against “Lankaran,” NTD will compete with “Sumgayit,” and “Nakhchivan” will meet “Guba.”

Round of 16 matches are scheduled to be held on January 13-14 next year, while the quarterfinal games will take place between February 18 and 22.

Founded in 1992, the Azerbaijani Basketball Federation (ABF) has played a major role in the development of basketball in the country.

In 1994, ABF became a full member of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) making it possible for national basketball teams to join international competitions.

In 1995, Azerbaijan won an international basketball match held in Baku.

In 2006, men’s basketball ranked first at the FIBA European Development Cup in Albania.

Four years later, the national team became first at Novruz- 2010 International basketball tournament.

Azerbaijani basketball players also grabbed two medals at the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games.

The team won one gold and one silver medals for Azerbaijan.

Basketball in Azerbaijan will continue to grow and improve, attracting more sports fans.

Living standards in the United Kingdom are expected to decline over the next decade, according to an annual economic ranking report published by the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR), Azernews reports.

The report warns that GDP per capita – a key measure of living standards – could fall below that of Malta by 2035. Economists attribute this outlook to a combination of persistently high inflation, weak economic growth, and repeated tax increases, which they say have significantly eroded the UK’s economic momentum.

CEBR’s assessment suggests that current government policies risk turning the UK into an economy increasingly reliant on past achievements rather than future growth. The report argues that fiscal measures introduced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves are constraining economic expansion. It also cautions that one of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s central pledges – to improve living standards – is unlikely to be fulfilled under current conditions.

According to the Centre’s forecasts, the UK will record the second-weakest GDP per capita growth among G7 countries over the next five years. In this period, Britain is expected to lag behind the United States, France, Canada, Germany, and even Italy.

The report also highlights Malta’s growing appeal to British entrepreneurs. Despite its small population of around half a million, the Mediterranean nation has attracted increasing business interest thanks to its low-tax regime and business-friendly environment, factors that have contributed to its strong economic performance.

Economists warn that without meaningful structural reforms and policies aimed at boosting productivity, innovation, and long-term investment, the UK’s position in the global economy could continue to weaken. Some analysts note that the coming decade may prove decisive in determining whether Britain can reverse this trend – or fall further behind its international peers.

At a meeting in Dushanbe, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that, according to the latest information, a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle was present on Russian territory and that the downing of the aircraft occurred after its remains damaged an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane following a missile explosion.

Azernews reports that this was announced by Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov at a press conference summarizing the results of 2025.

The minister noted that in recent days Azerbaijan received a letter signed by the head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, which caused serious surprise in Baku. According to Bayramov, Bastrykin also raised the issue of terminating the criminal case related to the incident.

Azerbaijan and the United Nations have discussed cooperation on green energy, a just energy transition, energy efficiency, and the development of Azerbaijan’s Roadmap for Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

As reported by Azernews, this was shared by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, on his official X account .

Minister Shahbazov noted that he met with Vladanka Andreeva, the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the completion of her diplomatic mission in the country. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on key priorities, including the promotion of green energy, ensuring a fair energy transition, improving energy efficiency, and preparing the SDG 7 Roadmap for Azerbaijan.

The discussions also covered preparations for the 82nd Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), which is planned to be held in Baku in April next year.

The Pakistani news agency, the Dispatch News Desk, has unveiled an in-depth and insightful analysis of Pakistan’s Defence Sector as we approach the end of 2025. The report highlights the crucial role Azerbaijan plays within this strategic framework, positioning it prominently at the forefront of discussions and initiatives shaping the future of defense in the region.

Azernews presents the article:

Pakistan’s defence agreements and international partnerships have further strengthened its international image since the May 2025 Pak-India tensions. From defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia to the export of JF-17 aircraft to countries like Azerbaijan, these agreements have played a key role in projecting Pakistan as a responsible and reliable defense partner. All this has not only highlighted Pakistan’s defense capabilities but also strengthened its position in the international community. Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan and Trkiye have been topped on agenda for defence partnership, export and collaboration.

The year 2025 was of exceptional importance for Pakistan’s defense sector. This year, Pakistan not only strengthened its defense capabilities in the region but also signed several international agreements, including a historic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, a major sale of JF-17 Thunder aircraft to Azerbaijan, and defense equipment exports with other countries. In addition, Pakistan also conducted successful tests of missiles, drones and other advanced technologies, which further strengthened its defense industry and its role in the region. This comprehensive report presents all the major defense contracts and tests from January 2025 to December 2025 in a month-by-month format, so that readers can get a complete understanding of not only the details of the events but also their background, objectives, financial aspects, and regional and global impacts.

Initial negotiations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan for the sale of JF-17 Thunder Block III aircraft began in January 2025. Azerbaijan decided to modernize its air force after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and preferred Pakistan’s JF-17 Block III. The initial estimate for the deal included the purchase of 16 aircraft, which was later increased to 40.

Several factors were behind Azerbaijan’s decision: reducing its dependence on Russian-made aircraft, acquiring the capability of modern AESA radar and PL-15 missiles, and consolidating its defense superiority in the region. For Pakistan, the deal was not only financially significant but also a milestone for its defense industry.

JF-17 Block III modernization: Installation of PL-15E missiles

In April 2025, Pakistan began equipping its JF-17 Block III aircraft with Chinese-made PL-15E long-range air-to-air missiles. These missiles have a range of 145 km, and together with the AESA radar, give the Pakistan Air Force a significant advantage in the region.

The move was aimed at improving its air superiority over India’s Rafale and Su-30 MKI aircraft. Although the PL-15E has a shorter range than the Chinese version, its presence has brought about significant changes in Pakistan’s defense strategy. Along with this, Pakistan has also increased the number of JF-17 Block IIIs, in order to modernize the air fleet.

Missile Tests and Defense Readiness: Abdali and Fateh Series Missile Tests

In May 2025, Pakistan successfully tested the Abdali ballistic missile and Fateh series missiles. The Abdali missile has a range of 450 km, while the Fateh series missiles can hit targets up to 120 km. The tests were conducted during the Ex-INDUS military exercise, which was attended by military officers, scientists, and engineers.

The aim of these tests was not only to verify technical capabilities but also to test the operational readiness of the military forces. The missiles included advanced navigation systems, terminal guidance, and the ability to evade anti-ballistic missile systems. The President, Prime Minister, and the military leadership described these tests as important for national defense.

Historic defense deal with Azerbaijan: Sale and investment of 40 JF-17 Block III

A $4.6 billion defense deal was signed between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in June 2025, under which Pakistan will supply Azerbaijan with 40 JF-17 Block III aircraft. This also includes an investment of $2 billion, which is earmarked for joint industrial projects, infrastructure, and possibly local production.

The deal is the largest export deal for Pakistan’s defense industry. Azerbaijan will be supplied with the Block III version, which includes AESA radar, advanced avionics, PL-15 and PL-10 missile capability, and the ASELPOD targeting system. The deal will also see Pakistani pilots and technicians train in Azerbaijan.

20% increase in defense budget

In June 2025, Pakistan increased its defense budget by 20%, mainly due to recent tensions with India and growing threats in the region. The budget allocated Rs2.55 trillion for the army, air force, and navy, which is 1.97 percent of GDP. The budget also includes funds for advanced weapons, drones, and missile systems.

Establishment of Army Rocket Force Command

In August 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the establishment of the Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC). The force aims to consolidate conventional missiles and rocket systems, enhance operational readiness, and counter India’s growing missile capabilities.

The ARFC includes missiles such as Fateh-1, Fateh-2, and Fateh-4, which have ranges ranging from 140 to 750 kilometers. The force was established after the May 2025 Indo-Pakistan conflict, in which India launched Brahmos missiles at Pakistani targets.

Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defense Agreement (SMDA)

On September 17, 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA). Under this agreement, an attack on either country will be considered an attack on both countries, and a joint defense response will be given.

Key points of the agreement:

Mutual defense: An attack on either country will be considered an attack on both.

Nuclear umbrella: Pakistan has indicated that it can provide nuclear capabilities to Saudi Arabia if needed, but there is still ambiguity on this aspect.

Defense cooperation: Military training, joint exercises, and cooperation in the defense industry.

Regional stability: The agreement was signed to promote peace and stability in the region.

Economic aspects: Saudi Arabia’s investment in Pakistan, energy, and infrastructure cooperation.

Global media considered the agreement was a change in the balance of power in the region and a milestone for Pakistan’s defense industry.

Fateh-4 cruise missile test

On September 30, 2025, Pakistan successfully tested the Fateh-4 cruise missile, which has a range of 750 kilometers. The missile will be operated under the ARFC and is intended to counter India’s defense capabilities. The test further strengthened Pakistan’s conventional missile capability and added a new dimension to its defense strategy in the region.

Delivery of JF-17 Block III to Azerbaijan

In October 2025, Pakistan delivered the first batch of JF-17 Block III aircraft to Azerbaijan. The delivery was made under a $4.6 billion deal, which also includes training, logistics, and weapons.

The Azerbaijani president described the delivery as crucial for its defense superiority in the region. Under the deal, Azerbaijan was provided not only with modern aircraft but also with Pakistani-trained personnel and technical support.

Dubai Air Show and new JF-17 Block III deal

During the Dubai Air Show in November 2025, Pakistan signed an MoU with a new ‘friendly’ country for the export of JF-17 Block III. Although the country was not named, analysts say the deal could be with a country in the Middle East or Africa.

The deal demonstrated the global popularity of Pakistan’s defense industry and presented the JF-17 Block III as a cheap and modern 4.5-generation fighter jet. Several countries showed interest in the JF-17 at the Dubai Air Show, and more exports are expected in the future.

JF-17 combat success in Nigeria

In December 2025, Nigeria successfully used its JF-17 aircraft to crush a rebellion in Benin. These aircraft targeted insurgent positions with laser-guided bombs, proving their combat capability. This success further boosted Pakistan’s defense exports, and strengthened its defense cooperation in Africa.

Pakistan’s Defense Industry: Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra

Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra is the hub of the country’s defense industry, where the JF-17, Super Mushtaq, and other aircraft are manufactured. PAC has expanded its capabilities not only for domestic needs but also for export purposes. 58% of JF-17 production is done in Pakistan, and most of its components are manufactured locally.

Global Industrial and Defense Solutions (GIDS)

GIDS is Pakistan’s state-owned defense company, which manufactures Shahpar drones, missiles, and other advanced weapons. The Shahpar-III drone can fly for 30-40 hours, can climb to 35,000 feet, and can carry 6 weapons. The drone is being exported to several countries, including the Middle East, Africa, and Trkiye.

Defense Exports and Financial Aspects

Pakistan’s defense exports have the potential to increase from $500 million to $5 billion annually by 2035, provided industrial reforms, local production, and improved export strategies are implemented. JF-17, Super Mushshak, Shahpar drones, and other weapons are being exported to several countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Export Regulations and Restrictions

Pakistan enacted the Export Control Act in 2004, which imposes strict regulations on the export of nuclear, biological, and missile technology. SECDIV oversees this process, and exports are permitted in accordance with international agreements, such as the NSG, MTCR, and the Australia Group.

Defense Experiments: Missiles, Drones, and Other Technologies

Missile Experiments

Abdali Ballistic Missile: Successfully tested on 3 May 2025 with a range of 450 km.

Fateh series missiles: Tested on May 6, 2025, with a range of 120 km, advanced navigation, and terminal guidance.

Fateh-4 cruise missile: September 30

Tested with 750 km range in 2025, operated under ARFC.

Drones and Unmanned Systems

Shahpar-III drone: Introduced at IDEAS and IDEX exhibitions in 2025, flight up to 30-40 hours, 6 weapons, altitude up to 35,000 feet, SATCOM link, and local production.

Exports: Shahpar-III is being exported to the UAE, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Trkiye, and other countries.

Naval, Artillery, and Rocket Forces

Army Rocket Force Command: Established in August 2025, the operational readiness of conventional missiles, competing with India’s Brahmos and S-400 capabilities.

Naval Cooperation: Pakistan Navy increases joint exercises and defense cooperation with Qatar, UAE, and Oman.

Pakistan’s Defense Industry and Future

Pakistan’s defense industry made significant progress in 2025. PAC Kamra, GIDS, NESCOM, and other institutions are developing advanced aircraft, drones, missiles, and weapons. The JF-17 Block III, Shahpar-III, and Fateh series missiles have made Pakistan a strong defense force in the region. Through increased exports, local production, and industrial reforms, Pakistan can achieve the target of $5 billion annual defense exports by 2035.

Conclusions

In 2025, Pakistan signed several historic agreements in the defense sector, including a strategic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, a major sale of JF-17 Block III to Azerbaijan, and defense cooperation with other countries. Successful tests of missiles, drones, and conventional weapons have further strengthened Pakistan’s defense capability. The changing geopolitical balance in the region, the new strategies of India and Iran, and relations with the United States and China have given Pakistan an important defense and strategic role.

Recommendations for the future are:

Industrial reforms: Promote local production, supply chains, and technical training.

Export Strategy: Explore new markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

??Legal Oversight: Strictly monitor exports and fully comply with international agreements.

Advanced Research: Prioritize research and development on hypersonic missiles, advanced drones, and cyber defense.

Regional Cooperation: Further expand defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Trkiye, and other friendly countries.

The achievements of Pakistan’s defense industry in 2025 are important not only for domestic security but also for peace and stability in the region. A comprehensive strategy, industrial reforms, and international cooperation are essential to sustain and further promote these achievements in the future.