Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Army Hosts Turkish Delegation to Discuss Enhanced Communication Cooperation

On April 16, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that the Training and Educational Center of the Azerbaijan Army hosted a meeting with the delegation from the Press and Public Relations Office of the Ministry of National Defense of Türkiye. At the meeting, Colonel Anar Eyvazov, Chief of the Press Service of the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan, presented a comprehensive report on the Ministry's Communication Strategy, which was authorized by a decision from the Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov. Colonel Eyvazov highlighted the information successes achieved during the 44-day Patriotic War, the ensuing military operations, and efforts to combat disinformation, collectively contributing to the Azerbaijani Army's notable victory.

Following this, the delegation from Türkiye shared insights into the communication strategies implemented within the Turkish Armed Forces, emphasizing the progress made in their area. The session facilitated an in-depth discussion on strategic communication, press, and public relations efforts within the armed forces of both nations, exploring opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation in military communications.

Border reports

On April 17, Azerbaijan Army Units detected, neutralized, and seized a quadrocopter attempting to conduct reconnaissance flights over their positions near the Aghdam settlement in the Tovuz region. 

Local exercises

On April 17, a tactical-special exercise was conducted by the Combined Arms Army’s Air Force. The exercise involved bringing army aviation and air defense units to the first readiness condition following the "CONDITION-1" command from the command staff at the control point. Additionally, reserve air defense units were deployed to their respective destinations to complete the tasks assigned. A briefing for the aircraft crews on the second readiness condition was held before the exercise, where combat tasks were detailed. The crews of Mi-17 transport and combat helicopters executed simulated air strikes on ground targets. They conducted maneuvers to evade air defense systems during practical flight sessions. Surveillance and target acquisition radars continuously monitored airspace, providing crucial data that was analyzed and communicated to command control points and cooperating units. Conditions such as weather were monitored using radar data, Bayraktar TB2 drones, and visual observations. During the exercise, commanders and combat crews practiced engagement strategies under real combat scenarios, focusing on targeting sequences, timing for destroying aerial threats, and countering slow-moving, small-sized UAVs with air defense systems. Radio interference was also employed to safeguard Army Corps locations and combat positions from drone attacks. The exercise concluded successfully, demonstrating effective interoperability among units.

On April 18, the Azerbaijan Air Force conducted training flights. The day began with a briefing on safety protocols and a medical examination of the pilots. The flights involved Su-25ML and Su-25 aircraft executing takeoffs, landings, and complex maneuvers at various altitudes and along predetermined routes during daylight, all aimed at enhancing the pilots’ combat readiness.

On April 19, a joint tactical exercise titled "Caspian Sky-2024" was carried out by the Air Force and Naval Forces, focusing on air defense organizations. The exercise involved up to 300 military personnel, including combat helicopters, UAVs, and various naval vessels. Tasks included defending maritime energy infrastructure in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, destroying simulated enemy targets, and practicing anchoring and defense maneuvers against air and underwater threats. The two-stage exercise demonstrated high professionalism and coordination between the Air Force and Naval Forces in achieving all objectives.

Georgia

Finnish and Georgian Defense Ministries Discuss Strengthening Strategic Partnership

On April 16, the Georgian Defense Ministry reported that Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani hosted a meeting with Esa Fulkinen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Finland. During the meeting, Minister Chikovani expressed gratitude towards Finland for its steadfast support of Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and aspirations towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The discussions focused on various facets of bilateral defense cooperation, exploring avenues to enhance their defense relationship.

Subsequently, an extended meeting was convened involving Paata Patiashvili, the Deputy Minister of Defense of Georgia, Brigade General Irakli Chichinadze, Deputy Commander of the Defense Forces, and other key representatives from relevant Georgian agencies. The Finnish delegation, led by Fulkinen, engaged in comprehensive discussions about the current security environment and the challenges faced by the region.

Key discussion points included Finland's role in supporting Georgian initiatives under the NATO-Georgia Essential Package (SNGP), particularly in military education. The talks also covered prospects for defense cooperation and Georgia's engagement with the EU's European Peace Mechanism (EPF), the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), and other international cooperation formats. These discussions underscored the ongoing commitment of both nations to strengthening their strategic partnership in defense and security.

Georgian Defense Minister Hosts Turkish National Defense Committee

On April 16, Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani welcomed the National Defense Committee members of the Great National Assembly of the Republic of Turkey to Georgia. Hulusi Akar, the Chairman of the Committee and former Defense Minister, led the Turkish delegation, who has played a significant role in fostering the defense relations between the two nations. Minister Chikovani expressed his gratitude to Chairman Akar for his contributions to developing Georgian-Turkish defense cooperation and highlighted Turkey's robust political and practical support.

During their discussions, Minister Chikovani stressed that effective collaboration between Georgia and Turkey is essential for ensuring regional security and stability. The meeting focused on strategic cooperation between the two countries, underscoring its significance in the broader regional context.

Minister Chikovani elaborated on the benefits of sharing experiences and resources within the framework of bilateral cooperation. He highlighted the importance of military educational opportunities and financial and material-technical assistance, crucial for enhancing Georgia's defense capabilities and aligning its defense forces with NATO standards.

The discussions also covered trilateral cooperation aimed at bolstering regional security. Minister Chikovani announced that Georgia is set to host a trilateral meeting with the defense ministers from Azerbaijan and Turkey later in the year, emphasizing the commitment of all three nations to strengthening regional defense ties.

Georgian Defense Minister Meets with US Army Europe and Africa Deputy Chief to Boost Military Ties

On April 19, Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani met with Brigade General Patrick Ellis, Deputy Chief of Staff of the US Army in Europe and Africa, and G-3 Chief. Minister Chikovani expressed his gratitude for the United States' steadfast support and strategic partnership with Georgia. He particularly acknowledged the significant role General Ellis has played in the development of the Georgian Defense Forces.

The meeting focused on enhancing military cooperation between Georgia and the US commands in Europe and Africa. The importance of conducting international military drills was also a key topic of discussion, highlighting the mutual benefits of joint training exercises for strengthening military capabilities and interoperability.

Representatives of the Defense Forces delivered a detailed presentation on joint training exercises involving Georgian and US forces, providing insights into the ongoing collaboration and training outcomes.

Armenia

The Armenian side published no important information during the period.