Armenia

Papikyan Discusses Defense Cooperation with Greece and Cyprus, Attends DEFEA-2025

On May 5, Suren Papikyan, Armenia’s Minister of Defense, began a working visit to Greece, where he met with key officials to discuss defense cooperation and security issues.

On May 6, Minister Papikyan met with Nikos Dendias, Greece’s Minister of National Defense, with Tigran Mkrtchyan, Armenia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Greece, also in attendance. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the high level of cooperation between Armenia and Greece, emphasizing their commitment to expanding collaboration in military education, experience exchange, and other areas. Regional and international security issues were also discussed.

Later that day, Papikyan attended the opening ceremony of the DEFEA-2025 international defense exhibition in Greece, where he visited the Armenian pavilion and met with representatives of participating companies.

On May 7, during the same visit, Papikyan met with Vasilis Palmas, Cyprus’s Minister of Defense, to discuss defense cooperation between Armenia and Cyprus. They also addressed regional and international security concerns.

Border Incidents

On May 8, Armenia’s Defense Ministry reported that on May 7 at 10:22 p.m. [local time], Azerbaijani Armed Forces units opened fire toward the Khnatsakh settlement in the Syunik region, damaging the roof of a residential house. No injuries were reported. The ministry urged Azerbaijan to investigate the incident and provide a public explanation for the shelling.

On May 10, the ministry stated that on May 9 at approximately 10:20 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces units again fired toward the Khnatsakh settlement, causing similar damage to a residential house, with no casualties reported. The ministry called on Azerbaijan to investigate and provide a public clarification.

Additionally, on the same day, Armenia’s Ministry of Defense refuted a claim by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense, which alleged that on May 10 at approximately 9:55 a.m., Armenian Armed Forces fired on Azerbaijani combat positions along the eastern border. The Armenian Ministry emphasized that this claim was false.

Azerbaijan

Border Incident

On May 10, Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry reported that at 9:55 a.m., Armenian Armed Forces units stationed in the Chambarak region fired small arms at Azerbaijan Army positions. The ministry condemned the Armenian Ministry of Defense’s attempt to spread false information internationally, claiming that Azerbaijan Army units had fired toward the Khnatsakh settlement and damaged a residential building. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry stressed that its units do not target civilians or civilian infrastructure under any circumstances.

Local and International Exercises

On May 5, Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry reported that a live-fire tactical exercise was conducted with the Azerbaijan Naval Forces’ Marine Units. The units were deployed from their permanent stations to assembly areas. The marines then performed tasks involving covert, rapid, and disguised movements to the attack line, where they simulated destroying enemy personnel and equipment, capturing enemy positions, and controlling supply roads. Measures were implemented to organize commandant services and mobile patrol systems within the unit’s deployment area. Nighttime training activities were also conducted. All tasks were successfully completed, demonstrating the exercise’s aim to enhance the marines’ combat readiness and improve the theoretical and practical skills of military personnel.

On May 8, a drill review was held for Azerbaijan Army servicemen preparing for the “Anatolian Phoenix – 2025” International Search and Rescue Exercise in Konya, Türkiye. The servicemen received detailed information about the exercise’s objectives, significance, and safety rules, as well as organizational matters. Azerbaijani participants, including Air Force pilots, paratroopers, search-and-rescue personnel, technical staff, and aircraft, will represent Azerbaijan in the exercise scheduled for May 12–23.

On May 9, Azerbaijan Army servicemen and aviation units departed for Türkiye to participate in the “Anatolian Phoenix – 2025” International Search and Rescue Exercise in Konya. The contingent included Azerbaijan Air Force personnel and Su-25 attack aircraft, with military participants from multiple nations also taking part.

Azerbaijan and Türkiye Strengthen Military Education Ties During High-Level Dialogue

On May 5, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defense, hosted a delegation led by Professor Erhan Afyoncu, Rector of Türkiye’s National Defense University, who was in Azerbaijan for a High-Level Dialogue Meeting between the National Defense Universities of Azerbaijan and Türkiye. During the meeting at the Ministry of Defense, Colonel General Hasanov expressed satisfaction with the strong military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, particularly in military education, while Professor Afyoncu highlighted the positive impact of Azerbaijani-Turkish relations on strengthening the personnel capabilities of both countries’ armed forces.

Later, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of Azerbaijan’s Army, met with the Turkish delegation to discuss the upcoming High-Level Dialogue Meeting and the mutual benefits for military educational institutions. On the same day, Major General Gunduz Abdulov, Rector of Azerbaijan’s National Defense University, hosted the delegation and briefed them on the university’s educational system, future plans, and government support for military education. Professor Afyoncu emphasized the importance of such visits for advancing military education cooperation.

On May 6, the “High-Level Dialogue on Improving the Training and Educational Process” between the National Defense Universities of Azerbaijan and Türkiye was held at the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev. The event, attended by military leaders and educators, included a tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the Shehids, with the national anthems of both countries performed. Major General Abdulov underscored the event’s role in strengthening military education cooperation, reflecting the strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Professor Afyoncu noted that ongoing innovations in military education testify to the enduring fraternal ties between the two nations.

On May 8, a Turkish Navy delegation visited Azerbaijan, touring military units, naval vessels, and training centers within the Azerbaijan Navy. The delegation was briefed on operations, combat training programs, and efforts to enhance personnel professionalism. Both sides agreed to share experiences in naval warfare and explore further avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation, reinforcing strategic military relations.

Azerbaijan and Hungary Discuss Future Military Cooperation During Official Visit

On May 6, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov welcomed a delegation led by General Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of General Staff of the Hungarian Defence Forces, who was on an official visit to Azerbaijan at the invitation of Colonel General Karim Valiyev. The delegation visited the graves of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and academician Zarifa Aliyeva at the Alley of Honor, laying wreaths, and also visited Victory Park, where they laid a wreath at the Victory Monument. During the meeting at the Ministry of Defense, Colonel General Hasanov expressed satisfaction with the current state of military cooperation, highlighting Hungary’s support for Azerbaijan and noting significant opportunities to further develop strategic cooperation. General Böröndi thanked Azerbaijan for the warm welcome and emphasized the positive impact of such visits on strengthening Azerbaijani-Hungarian relations based on mutual trust. The meeting focused on prospects for military cooperation and related issues.

At the official welcoming ceremony at the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, both Chiefs of Staff passed the guard of honor, and the national anthems of both countries were played. General Böröndi signed the Book of Honor per protocol. Later, Colonel General Valiyev and General Böröndi discussed the current state and future development of Azerbaijani-Hungarian military cooperation, emphasizing the importance of joint exercises and experience-sharing to enhance servicemen’s professionalism.

On May 7, Colonel General Valiyev, accompanied by General Böröndi and the Hungarian delegation, visited key military facilities, including the Air Force’s Central Command Post, the Cybersecurity Center, and a commando military unit. At the Central Command Post, Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade, Air Force Commander, briefed the delegation on the command post’s structure and activities, highlighting its high-tech capabilities for airspace control and flight operations coordination. At the Cybersecurity Center, the delegation learned about efforts to ensure the cybersecurity of modern weapon systems and military information technology, including the use of artificial intelligence tools. At the commando military unit, they observed servicemen’s activities, viewed an exhibition of weapons, ammunition, and military vehicles, and received detailed information on their tactical-technical characteristics and usage.

Azerbaijan and Vietnam Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation

On May 7, a document exchange ceremony was held between Azerbaijan and Vietnam, attended by Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam. During the ceremony, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defense, Zakir Hasanov, and Vietnam’s Minister of National Defense, Phan Van Giang, exchanged a “Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Defense” between their respective ministries.

Azerbaijan and Pakistan Discuss Future Cooperation in Military Education During Visit

On May 9, a delegation from Pakistan’s National Defense University, including leadership and participants of the National Security and War Course, visited Azerbaijan’s National Defense University. The delegation received detailed information about the university’s activities, ongoing reforms, and future goals. Presentations were made, and a broad exchange of views took place on current cooperation between the military educational institutions of both countries and prospects for further development. Major General Arif Hasanov, Deputy Rector for Science and Rector of the Military Scientific Research Institute, welcomed the delegation and emphasized the strong, fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, highlighting the importance of strengthening ties in military education. The visit included discussions about new educational institutions planned for Azerbaijan’s National Defense University in the near future.

Georgia

Defense Minister Meets with Korean Ambassador to Discuss Bilateral Defense Cooperation

On May 6, Georgia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani met with Kim Hyun-do, the Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to Georgia, to discuss the future of bilateral relations and potential defense cooperation. During the introductory meeting, Minister Chikovani welcomed Ambassador Kim, wishing him success in his diplomatic role. They explored opportunities to enhance cooperation, particularly in the defense sector, and discussed various areas of defense collaboration. The meeting was attended by Paata Patiashvili, First Deputy Minister of Defense, Vice Colonel Kyonbe Chon, Korea’s Defense Attaché, and First Secretary Sang Jun Kang.

NATO-Georgia Joint Training

On May 6, the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center (JTEC) hosted multinational training as part of the “NATO-Georgia Training and Evaluation Center (JTEC)” exercise. Georgia’s Minister of Defense, Irakli Chikovani, and Commander of Defense Forces, Major General Giorgi Matiashvili, observed various training sites. Colonel David Gagua, Head of Training and JTEC Commander, presented the training’s full scenario, covering the Simulation, Connectivity, and Information Systems Center and highlighting the control and intensity of the training using advanced simulation tools. Minister Chikovani toured the First Infantry Brigade headquarters and the Special Operations Base Management Center, observing subdivisions managing crises and military operations in a simulated environment and their operational synchronization. He also examined vehicles and simulation units at the JTEC headquarters assembly ground, designed for real-life integrated training. At the visit’s conclusion, Major General Zaza Chkhaidze, Deputy Commander of Defense Forces, and Colonel David Gagua presented commemorative gift boards to the Defense Ministry leadership to support the “NATO-Georgia Training 2025” initiative.

On May 7, the multinational command and staff exercise “NATO-Georgia Exercise 2025,” led by Georgia, continued at JTEC. First Deputy Minister of Defense Paata Patiashvili, alongside high-level guests from NATO Headquarters, NATO SHAPE, NATO LANDCOM, and NATO JFTC, visited JTEC to observe a demonstration training day at the Simulation, Communications, and Information Systems Center. They were joined by Defence Attachés and European Union Monitoring Mission representatives. The day focused on fostering improved joint and coordinated actions between NATO member and partner countries. “NATO-Georgia Exercise 2025” involves six key initiatives, including military engineering, police, medical capabilities, and special operations forces. The exercise assesses the interoperability of NATO forces with Georgian Defense Forces under the NATO-Georgia Essential Package (SNGP).

On May 8, the exercise concluded, with the “Charlie” Company of the 12th Battalion, 1st Infantry Brigade, receiving the NATO Operational Capabilities Concept Evaluation and Feedback Program (OCC E&FP) certificate and a positive evaluation. Colonel David Gagua thanked participants, and commemorative plaques were presented. The exercise included command and staff components and field training, demonstrating JTEC’s command and control capabilities and facilitating coordination. The six initiatives of the NATO-Georgia Substantive Package (SNGP) were fully integrated, with NATO experts evaluating Georgian Defense Forces units for compliance with NATO standards. The exercise, involving 17 NATO member and partner countries, was planned by NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SHAPE) in coordination with the Georgian Defense Forces General Staff. Several international organizations also participated.