Armenia

Border Incidents

On April 21, the Armenian Ministry of Defense reported that on April 20, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces units fired on the Khoznavar settlement in Syunik Province, damaging a solar water heater on a residential building’s roof. No casualties were reported. The Ministry urged Azerbaijan to conduct a thorough investigation and provide a public explanation. It also noted that the Armenian Prime Minister’s Office had proposed a joint Armenia-Azerbaijan mechanism to investigate ceasefire violations, but Azerbaijan had not yet responded.

On April 23, at approximately 10:20 p.m., Azerbaijani forces again fired on Khoznavar, damaging a residential house, with no casualties reported. The Armenian Ministry of Defense reiterated its call for an investigation and a public clarification from Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani side denied all allegations.

Armenian Defense Minister Papikyan Meets Austrian and Finnish Ambassadors for Security Talks

On April 23, Suren Papikyan, Armenia’s Minister of Defense, met with Robert Gerschner, Austria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia. Papikyan congratulated Gerschner on his appointment and expressed hope for strengthened Armenia-Austria cooperation. The discussion focused on current and future defense collaboration and regional and international security issues.

On the same day, Papikyan met with Kirsti Narinen, Finland’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia. They explored opportunities for bilateral defense cooperation and prospects for multilateral engagement with NATO and the European Union, exchanging views on regional and international security matters.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani Defense Officials Visit Qatar to Strengthen Military Cooperation

On April 21, Agil Gurbanov, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Defense and Director General, and Namig Islamzade, Deputy Minister of Defense and Air Force Commander, visited Qatar on an official trip. The delegation toured the Military Air Academy at Al Udeid Air Base, familiarizing themselves with its facilities and educational processes.

The delegation then met with Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs. They discussed the current state of Azerbaijan-Qatar cooperation and opportunities for further development, with Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade and other high-ranking officers and officials from both nations in attendance.

The delegation also visited Barzan Holdings, a Qatari defense company, meeting its leadership to explore cooperation in military-technical fields.

Local and International Exercises

On April 24, as part of the Ministry of Defense’s annual training plan, a training session for reservists was held in coordination with the State Service for Mobilization and Conscription at a special-purpose military unit. The session included theoretical and practical classes to enhance reservists’ drill training.

At various ranges, reservists learned first aid techniques for combat situations, methods for evacuating the wounded, and details about modern equipment used by the Azerbaijan Army’s engineering units. They practiced small arms disassembly and reassembly, received instruction on personal chemical protection equipment, and, after safety briefings, participated in live-fire exercises with various small arms.

The session aimed to boost reservists’ combat readiness, improve their knowledge and skills, and familiarize them with new weapons in the Azerbaijan Army’s arsenal, including their combat applications.

On April 24, Azerbaijani servicemen departed for Türkiye to participate in the “KURTARAN-2025” international exercise in Marmaris, Türkiye, scheduled until April 30. The exercise involves Türkiye’s Naval, Land, and Air Forces, and Coast Guard, with a Distinguished Visitors Day planned to showcase interoperability among various troops.

Azerbaijani Officer Completes NATO Regional Cooperation Course in Rome

On April 24, the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy, held a graduation ceremony where Lieutenant Colonel Elnur Khudeynatov of the Azerbaijan Army completed the 33rd NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC). Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense has maintained long-standing cooperation with the NATO Defense College, and the participation of Azerbaijani servicemen underscores the partnership with NATO. Graduates, including Azerbaijan Army officers, continue to serve honorably in the Armed Forces.

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan Hold Working Meeting on Bilateral Military Cooperation

On April 25, delegations from the Defense Ministries of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan met in Baku, per the 2025 bilateral military cooperation plan. Azerbaijan’s Military Strategy and Defense Planning Department briefed the Uzbek delegation on defense planning and project management within the Azerbaijan Army. The meeting facilitated an exchange of views on mutual cooperation, with guests’ questions addressed. The session concluded with an exchange of gifts and a group photo.

Georgia

No significant updates were published by the Georgian Ministry of Defense during this period.