Armenia

Ceasefire breaches and reports

On April 9, the Armenian Defense Ministry refuted the statement from the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan, claiming that Armenian forces had opened fire toward Azerbaijani positions on April 8 between 11:35 PM [local time] and 11:45 PM, asserting that it did not align with reality. Conversely, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Armenia asserted that on April 8, at 10:50 PM, Azerbaijani armed forces initiated fire toward Armenian positions near Aravus in the Syunik Province, followed by another incident at 10:55 PM in Khoznavar, also in the Syunik Province.

On April 12, the Armenian Defense Ministry rebutted the claim made by the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan, asserting that the Armenian Armed Forces did not open fire toward Azerbaijani combat positions in the eastern part of the border around 4:50 PM.

On April 13, the Armenian Defense Ministry refuted the claim by the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan, stating that the Armenian Armed Forces did not open fire toward Azerbaijani combat positions located in the northeastern part of the border around 08:30 PM.

Armenian Defense Minister Meets Australian Ambassador to Discuss Defense Collaboration

During the meeting on April 12, Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia, hosted John William Geering, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Australia to Armenia. Discussions revolved around exploring collaboration opportunities between Armenia and Australia in defense and regional security. Minister Papikyan outlined the ongoing reforms within the Armed Forces of Armenia at the Ambassador's behest, offering insights into the nation's military developments.

Azerbaijan

Ceasefire breaches and reports

On April 8, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that between 23:35 and 23:45 [local time], Armenian armed forces units from positions near Khoznavar, Khanazakh, and Aravus settlements in the Syunik region engaged in periodic small-arms fire towards Azerbaijan Army positions near Sadinlar, Husulu, Malibayli, and Jaghazur settlements in the Lachin region.

Similarly, on April 9, the ministry said that between 16:00 and 16:50, Armenian armed forces units initiated small-arms fire towards Azerbaijan Army positions near Jahazir settlement in the Sharur region of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

On April 12, around 16:50, the ministry noted that Armenian armed forces units conducted small arms fire towards Azerbaijan Army positions near the Astaf settlement in the Dashkasan region.

Furthermore, on April 13, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that around 08:30, Armenian armed forces units from engaged in small-arms fire towards Azerbaijan Army positions near the Kokhanabi settlement in the Tovuz region.

Local and regional exercises

On April 9, training flights were carried out by the Air Force's helicopter units, preceded by an assessment of military personnel's theoretical knowledge and briefing for military pilots on safety protocols. Helicopters executed flights from base airfields along specified routes, accomplishing tasks related to takeoff and landing, aerial reconnaissance, and other activities during both daylight and nighttime hours. The exercise aimed to enhance combat readiness and refine the practical skills of the crew, with all assigned tasks completed.

Simultaneously, this year, a computer-assisted command-staff exercise was scheduled between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, in line with the Bilateral Cooperation Plan for 2024 between the Defense Ministries of both nations. A delegation from Uzbekistan visited Azerbaijan to conduct initial staff discussions for the exercise. During the meeting, a comprehensive briefing was provided on the exercise's objectives, tasks, and modalities. Detailed discussions took place regarding the exercise's purpose, tasks, and the signing of the final protocol of the command-staff exercise.

Azerbaijani Defense Minister Visits Jordan

On April 14, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, embarked on an official visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. During his visit, Colonel General Hasanov met with Major General Yousef Ahmad Al Hunaiti, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces. The visit commenced with an official welcoming ceremony, followed by Colonel General Hasanov passing along the guard of honor and signing the Visitors' Book as per protocol. At the subsequent expanded meeting, discussions centered on military cooperation, military-technical collaboration, and other mutual interests.

Simultaneously, Colonel General Hasanov visited the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center, where he engaged in discussions with Colonel Na'el AlShqeirat, the General Director of the center, on various issues. He also familiarized himself with the center's activities and facilities. Following this, Colonel General Hasanov proceeded to the Royal Air Force Command, where he met with Major General Muhammad Hiyasat, the Royal Jordanian Air Force Commander. Discussions during the meeting encompassed the potential for advancement in military, educational, and technical cooperation.

Furthermore, on the same day, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, during his official visit to Jordan, had an audience with His Majesty Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, the King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Colonel General Hasanov conveyed greetings from President Ilham Aliyev and presented an invitation letter to His Majesty Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein regarding the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) hosted by Azerbaijan. The meeting underscored the significance of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Jordan across various domains.

Georgia

EU Political and Security Committee Delegation Visits Georgia

On April 10, the Georgian Defense Ministry reported that a delegation from the Political and Security Committee (PSC) of the Council of the European Union visited Georgia. Hosted by Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani and representatives of the Defense Agency, the committee members were briefed on the reforms underway and various forms of cooperation with the EU. The discussions primarily focused on financial assistance through the European Peace Mechanism (EPF), security and defense policy (CSDP) cooperation, and regional security challenges.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Defense of Georgia, Paata Patiashvili, the Deputy Commander of Defense Forces, Brigade General Irakli Chichinadze, and representatives from Defense Agencies.