
Weekly Brief on Military Situation in South Caucasus Countries (7–13 April)

Armenia
Armenia, Iran Conduct Joint Military Exercise
On April 9–10, special forces units of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia and the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran conducted a joint military exercise aimed at neutralizing simulated terrorist attacks on border checkpoints along the Armenia-Iran state border.
During the exercise, Armenian special forces operated within Armenia’s territory, while the Iranian unit conducted its operations on Iranian soil. The coordinated drills focused on counterterrorism operations and enhancing the joint response capabilities of the two countries to cross-border threats.
Azerbaijan
Border Incidents
From the evening of April 6 to April 11, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported multiple incidents of Armenian armed forces using small arms to intermittently fire on Azerbaijani Army positions from various directions, prompting retaliatory measures from Azerbaijan. The Armenian side denied all allegations.
On April 7, the Ministry reported that between the evening of April 6 and 04:30 on April 7, Armenian forces intermittently fired on Azerbaijani positions. Azerbaijani Army units responded with appropriate retaliatory measures.
On April 9, it was reported that on April 8, from 19:20 to 22:30, Armenian units fired on Azerbaijani positions, leading to retaliatory measures. On the same day, from 19:25 to 19:35, Armenian forces also subjected Azerbaijani forces to small arms fire.
On April 10, the Ministry noted that on April 9, at approximately 23:50, Armenian forces fired on Azerbaijani positions, prompting retaliatory action from the Azerbaijani side.
On April 11, the Ministry reported that on April 10, at 20:55, Armenian forces fired on Azerbaijani positions, and Azerbaijani troops responded with appropriate countermeasures.
On April 12, it was stated that on April 11, between 20:10 and 23:15, Azerbaijani positions came under fire from Armenian positions, with Azerbaijani forces responding accordingly.
Local Exercises
On April 8, the Azerbaijan Army conducted a tactical exercise under conditions simulating real combat, incorporating modern warfare methods and a new operational concept. The Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, and senior ministry officials observed the exercise.
During the drill, reconnaissance was conducted using unmanned aerial vehicles, which provided real-time data on the positions of the simulated enemy’s targets and the movement of armored units to the battle control center. According to the scenario, artillery and aircraft units struck the enemy’s reserves and manpower before launching an offensive, while also ensuring safe passage through minefields. The exercise included helicopter evacuations of personnel, ambushes and neutralization of an enemy convoy, and the capture of enemy strongholds. The primary goal was to enhance commanders’ decision-making skills in line with the new operational concept, ensure interoperability, and improve both theoretical knowledge and practical capabilities.
On April 12, a combat training session was held with the tactical missile units of the Rocket and Artillery Troops of the Azerbaijan Army. The session involved deployment on the terrain, occupation of starting positions, and preparation of equipment for combat readiness. The personnel demonstrated a high level of professionalism and successfully completed all assigned tasks.
Azerbaijan Air Force and Italian General Staff Hold Expert Meeting on Advanced Flight Training
On April 9, an expert meeting on advanced flight training was held between the Azerbaijan Air Force and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Italian Republic as part of bilateral military cooperation to facilitate the exchange of experience between military pilots.
During the "Expert Meeting on Advanced Flight Training," held in accordance with the bilateral military cooperation plan, both sides delivered presentations on the training processes for pilots of 4th- and 5th-generation fighter aircraft at basic and advanced levels. The discussions also covered the structure and function of the "International Training School."
Participants emphasized the importance of such events in promoting mutual experience exchange and enhancing pilot training standards.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan Hold Planning Conference for Khazri-2025 Joint Tactical Exercise
On April 10, a planning conference was held for the upcoming "Khazri-2025" joint tactical exercise involving the Naval Forces of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan to enhance military seamanship and facilitate experience exchange.
The Azerbaijani delegation was led by Teymur Murshudov, First Deputy Commander of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces and Chief of Staff, while the Kazakh side was headed by Kanat Niyazbekov, First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chief of the General Staff of the Kazakh Naval Forces.
The delegations discussed the details of the planned joint tactical exercise, which will be conducted in the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea and involve ships and servicemen from the naval forces of both countries. At the conclusion of the event, both sides signed the final protocol for the exercise.
Azerbaijan, Türkiye Discuss Bilateral Military Cooperation at Antalya Diplomacy Forum
On April 12, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Yaşar Güler, Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Türkiye, within the framework of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2025) to discuss bilateral military cooperation and regional security issues.
During the meeting, the ministers reviewed the current status and future prospects of military collaboration between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. They also exchanged views on key developments in regional security.
Vladimir Zarudnitsky Leads Russian Delegation to Azerbaijan's National Defense University
On April 12, Vladimir Zarudnitsky, Chief of the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and Candidate of Historical Sciences, led a delegation to the National Defense University of Azerbaijan to discuss cooperation in military education.
During the meeting at the National Defense University, Gunduz Abdulov, the Rector and Major General, welcomed the Russian delegation and expressed satisfaction with their visit to Azerbaijan. The two sides discussed the current state and future development of bilateral cooperation in military education.
The guests received a detailed briefing on the history, educational structure, objectives, and goals of the National Defense University. Following this, the delegation visited the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev, where they were informed about the institute’s history and main activities, and had their questions of mutual interest addressed.
Georgia
Irakli Chikovani Participates in NATO’s 27th Ukrainian Defense Contact Group Meeting
On April 11, the Georgian Defense Ministry announced that Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani was in the Kingdom of Belgium.
He participated in the 27th Ukrainian Defense Contact Group meeting, held in the Ramstein format at NATO headquarters in Brussels. The meeting was attended by defense heads and senior officials from NATO member and partner countries. The session was opened by the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defense, John Hill, and Germany's Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius.
During the meeting, participants discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, focusing on the country’s military aid needs and emergency support. The Ramstein format, established in April 2022 at the initiative of the United States, will be coordinated by the United Kingdom and Germany starting February 13, 2025.
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