Armenia

Vahagn Khachaturyan Signs Decrees Reshaping Armenian Armed Forces Leadership

On July 1, Vahagn Khachaturyan, the President of the Republic of Armenia, signed a series of decrees based on proposals put forward by Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, resulting in key personnel changes within the Armenian Armed Forces.

Major General Garegin Poghosyan was appointed Commander of the Special Army Corps, while being relieved from his previous position as Commander of the 2nd Army Corps. At the same time, Major General Simon Nazaryan was appointed Commander of the 2nd Army Corps, replacing his former role as Commander of the 3rd Army Corps.

In addition, Colonel Artsrun Hovhannisyan was appointed Head of the Defense National Research University under the Ministry of Defense, marking a change in the leadership of the institution responsible for military academic and strategic research development.

Azerbaijan

NATO LANDCOM Mobile Training Team Launches Course In Baku

On July 1, within the framework of the Partnership for Peace Programme between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and NATO for 2026, a training course was launched in Baku conducted by the NATO Allied LANDCOM Mobile Training Team.

The course included briefings delivered by NATO instructors on “Training Planning in NATO” and “Conducting Training in Accordance with NATO Standards and Objective Selection,” followed by group and individual practical exercises involving participating military personnel.

The training was attended by members of the Military Management Course at the Military Management Institute of the National Defense University. Its main objective is to improve both theoretical and practical competencies of military personnel in line with modern operational requirements, enhance their ability to apply advanced technological tools, and familiarize them with NATO standards and procedures in the field of military training and planning.

Turkish Delegation Tours Azerbaijani Military Institutions As Defense Education And Industry Ties Deepen

On July 1, Burhan Aktaş, the Deputy Rector of the Turkish National Defense University, arrived in Azerbaijan at the head of a delegation comprising senior officials, faculty members from the Land Forces, Air Force, and Naval Forces academies, as well as participants of the university's Staff Management Course. During the visit, Karim Valiyev, the First Deputy Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, met with the delegation. Valiyev emphasized that the alliance, friendship, and brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Türkiye continue to make an important contribution to the development of military education. He stressed the importance of expanding the exchange of experience to further improve the professional knowledge and skills of military personnel. Aktaş thanked the Azerbaijani side for its hospitality and stated that such visits contribute significantly to strengthening bilateral relations. The meeting also focused on ongoing initiatives and future plans for expanding cooperation in military education.

On July 2, Gunduz Abdulov, the Rector of the National Defense University of Azerbaijan, met with the Turkish delegation. Abdulov underlined that relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye are based on mutual trust and friendship, while presenting recent reforms introduced in Azerbaijan's military education system in line with international standards. Aktaş expressed appreciation for the warm reception and congratulated Azerbaijan on Armed Forces Day, celebrated on June 26. He described the Azerbaijani Army's development as an example for other countries and expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to deepen under the principle of "One Nation, Two States." The sides discussed the current state and future prospects of cooperation in military education, highlighting the importance of personnel training, professional development, and reciprocal visits for exchanging experience.

On the same day, Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan, met with a delegation led by Mustafa Murat Şeker, the Deputy Chairman of the Agency of Defense Industries under the Presidency of Türkiye. Hasanov stated that joint defense industry projects would further strengthen the defense capabilities of both countries' armed forces. Şeker thanked the Azerbaijani side for its hospitality and emphasized that such meetings play an important role in expanding military cooperation between the two allied countries. The Turkish delegation also held talks with Valiyev, during which both sides highlighted that the longstanding friendship and brotherly ties between Azerbaijan and Türkiye continue to strengthen bilateral military cooperation. Discussions focused on prospects for further cooperation, including the application of artificial intelligence in satellite technologies, electronic warfare, unmanned systems, and other defense-related fields.

On July 3, the Turkish delegation continued its program with a meeting between Aktaş and Shahin Mammadov, the Commander of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces. During the meeting, the delegation received a briefing on the history, operational activities, combat readiness, and personnel development of the Naval Forces. Aktaş also signed the remembrance book. The delegation later visited a Naval Forces military unit, where it inspected the weapons and technical equipment used by naval special forces. The Turkish guests also toured the Heydar Aliyev Military Institute of the National Defense University, receiving a briefing on its educational activities and visiting its academic and administrative facilities. During the visit, they met with Turkish cadets studying at the institute and discussed their education, living conditions, and professional training. The visit concluded with a tour of the War Games Center of the Military Management Institute under the National Defense University, where the delegation was briefed on the center's activities and the ongoing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye in the field of military education.

Bulgarian Delegation Visits Azerbaijan

On July 1, within the framework of the 2026 Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan between the defense ministries of Azerbaijan and Bulgaria, a working meeting on "Ensuring Internal Security in the Armed Forces" was held. As part of the program, the Bulgarian delegation met with Azer Ibrahimov, the Chief of the Main Department of Internal Security and Investigations of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense. The discussions focused on measures implemented to strengthen internal security within the Azerbaijan Army, current initiatives in this area, and opportunities for further expanding bilateral cooperation.

The delegation also visited the Military Police Department of the Ministry of Defense, where it held talks with Elgun Aliyev, the Deputy Chief of the Main Department of Internal Security and Investigations and Chief of the Military Police Department. During the visit, the guests received a briefing on the history, structure, responsibilities, and activities of the Military Police Department. The sides also discussed prospects for organizing joint training activities involving military police personnel from both countries in the coming years. They exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest, and members of the Azerbaijani side answered questions from the visiting delegation.

Report On Azerbaijan Army Peacekeeping Operations Presented

On July 2, the Report on the Azerbaijan Army’s Peacekeeping Operations was presented under the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan and the Center of Analysis of International Relations. The presentation was attended by representatives of the Presidential Administration, the Milli Majlis, the Security Council, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Center of Analysis of International Relations, as well as experts from think tanks and media representatives.

During the event, the report, jointly prepared by the Center of Analysis of International Relations and the International Military Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Defense, highlighted the performance of Azerbaijani peacekeepers in international missions. Speakers stated that Azerbaijani military personnel have earned recognition from partner countries and international organizations for their professionalism, discipline, and sense of responsibility while participating in peacekeeping operations.

The participants emphasized that Azerbaijan's peacekeeping activities not only fulfill the country's international commitments but also strengthen its reputation as a reliable international partner, enhance its global standing, and create broader opportunities for international cooperation. They noted that these achievements reflect the comprehensive military reforms and modernization implemented under the leadership of Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The speakers also stressed that Azerbaijan continues to improve the capabilities and operational readiness of its peacekeeping units through ongoing state-led initiatives, ensuring they are prepared to respond effectively to future challenges.

Azerbaijan Air Force Commander Observes Anatolian Eagle 2026 As Military Aviation Ties With Türkiye Deepen

On July 2, Namig Islamzade, the Deputy Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan and Commander of the Air Force, paid an official visit to Türkiye, where he participated in activities held within the framework of the international tactical flight exercise “Anatolian Eagle-2026.” During the visit, Islamzade met with Azerbaijani personnel taking part in the exercise. Zaur Mammadov, the head of the Azerbaijani delegation, briefed him on the progress of the drills and the tasks assigned to the participating servicemen. Islamzade praised the personnel for the high level of professionalism they demonstrated during the exercise.

As part of the program, Islamzade also held talks with Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, the Commander of the Turkish Air Force. The meeting focused on the current state of bilateral cooperation in military aviation and prospects for its further development. The two commanders emphasized the importance of joint exercises and the continued exchange of professional experience between the armed forces of Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Following an aerial observation of the exercise, the commanders visited an exhibition organized as part of “Anatolian Eagle-2026,” where they viewed displays of military equipment and weapons.

Croatian Delegation Visits Azerbaijani Military Educational Institutions

On July 3, a delegation from the Republic of Croatia, including Goran Huljev, the Dean of the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Croatian Defense Academy, Irina Prifi Durić, the Director of the Katarina Zrinska Foreign Language Center, and other accompanying officials, visited military educational institutions in Azerbaijan. The Croatian delegation toured the Institute of Military Management and the Heydar Aliyev Military Institute under Azerbaijan’s National Defense University. During the visit, the sides held discussions on prospects for expanding cooperation in the field of military education between Azerbaijan and Croatia, including the training of military personnel, exchange of professional expertise, and potential areas for future joint activities.

The guests were provided with detailed briefings on the history, academic structure, curricula, and material-technical base of both Azerbaijani institutions. They also received a comprehensive tour of the educational infrastructure. Within the framework of the visit, representatives of both countries delivered presentations on their respective military education systems, institutional activities, and modern approaches applied in military training, and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest while responding to questions raised by participants.

Military Training

On July 4, within the framework of the 2026 training plan, a scheduled training session involving a group of reservists was completed at one of the military units of the Combined Arms Army, in coordination with the State Service for Mobilization and Conscription. As part of the mobilization procedures, the reservists underwent registration and medical examinations at the reception point. Following this, their professional qualifications and moral-psychological characteristics were assessed, and they were assigned to relevant military specialties. The participants were also provided with necessary logistical and support measures.

During the session, educational briefings were conducted to reinforce a sense of responsibility among personnel. They were informed about military regulations, applicable legislation, and safety requirements. In accordance with the training schedule, the reservists participated in combined arms and specialty-oriented exercises reflecting modern combat conditions. The program also included practical firing drills using small arms and hand-held grenade launchers.

Georgia

Georgia And NATO Review Defense Cooperation

On July 1, Paata Patiashvili, the First Deputy Minister of Defense of Georgia, met with Remigius Baltrenas, the Director General of NATO International Military Staff, at the Ministry of Defense in Tbilisi. During the meeting, the sides discussed key aspects of NATO–Georgia cooperation and outlined future plans for further development. Particular attention was given to the outcomes of long-term cooperation, including the implementation of the NATO–Georgia Essential Package (SNGP), which has contributed to strengthening the capabilities of the Georgian Defense Forces and enhancing interoperability with NATO structures.

The discussions also covered broader directions of NATO–Georgia military cooperation during a separate meeting with Giorgi Matiashvili, the Commander of the Defense Forces of Georgia. The parties reviewed joint initiatives and ongoing projects, including the NATO–Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center (JTEC), which was also visited by Baltrenas during his trip. Baltrenas highlighted Georgia as one of NATO’s most reliable and capable partners in international security missions. He also held an introductory meeting with representatives of the NATO–Georgia Essential Package, including both foreign and Georgian experts, where ongoing cooperation frameworks were discussed.