Armenia

Border breach reports

On August 28, the Armenian Defense Ministry refuted a statement issued by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense, which claimed that at approximately 06:45 a.m. [local time] on the same day, Armenian Armed Forces units fired upon Azerbaijani combat positions in the southwestern border region. The Armenian Defense Ministry asserted that this allegation was inaccurate.

Additionally, on the same day, the Armenian Ministry of Defense addressed another claim by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense, which alleged that at around 6:30 p.m. on August 28, Armenian Armed Forces units again targeted Azerbaijani combat positions in the southwestern border area. The Armenian Ministry of Defense reiterated that this assertion was also false.

The Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia has proposed creating a joint Armenia-Azerbaijan mechanism to investigate ceasefire violations and related incidents. However, Azerbaijan has not yet responded to this proposal.

Armenian Defence Minister Visits Georgia, Focuses on Expanding Military Cooperation

On September 1, at the invitation of Georgian Defence Minister Irakli Chikovani, Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia, arrived in Georgia for an official visit. 

On September 2, Minister Papikyan was welcomed at the Ministry of Defence of Georgia. The ceremony included a guard of honor, a military band, and the playing of both countries' national anthems. Following the ceremony, Papikyan and Chikovani held a private discussion, which was later expanded to include delegations from both countries.

During the meetings, the ministers focused on enhancing military education cooperation and discussed strategies for achieving long-term and stable peace in the region. They agreed to explore further expansion of bilateral defense cooperation and the inclusion of new areas through mutual visits of various groups. Additional topics included Armenia-Georgia defense cooperation and regional security.

On September 2, Minister Papikyan met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and Armenian Ambassador to Georgia Ashot Smbatyan was also in attendance. The discussions highlighted the strategic relationship between Armenia and Georgia and underscored the effectiveness of regular high-level contacts. Prime Minister Kobakhidze expressed support for strengthening defense cooperation and the ongoing peace efforts. Minister Papikyan conveyed greetings from Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and emphasized the importance of enhancing defense cooperation. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to establishing long-term and stable regional peace, with the Georgian side expressing its readiness to support these efforts.

Georgia

Local and international exercises

On August 27, the Georgian Defense Ministry reported the completion of field situation training for the intelligence company of the 1st Infantry Brigade of the Eastern Command of the Defense Forces of Georgia. The training, held over four days on the riverbank, focused on obtaining intelligence, studying the river's background characteristics, and performing river crossing operations. The intelligence units successfully executed tasks, including river forcing, ambushes, and evacuations.

On August 30, the Special Purpose Marine Group of the Western Battalion of the Special Operations Command of the Defense Forces of Georgia, in collaboration with the Special Purpose Marine Group of the Romanian Armed Forces, conducted joint military training in the Black Sea. Based on a simulated scenario, the exercises included a boarding operation, detecting explosive substances in the sea, moving them to a safe location, and decontaminating. Colonel Teimuraz Klateishvili congratulated the participants on the successful completion of the training. The exercises aimed to enhance compatibility and strengthen partnership relations between the special operations commands of Georgia and Romania.

Azerbaijan

Local exercises

On August 26, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that artillery units conducted a live-fire tactical exercise as part of the 2024 training plan. The exercise involved withdrawing units from their permanent deployment points to assembly areas, capturing firing positions, and preparing artillery installations for combat. The main objectives were to maintain high combat capability, enhance the skills of military personnel, and improve the command staff's ability to control artillery units.

On August 27, Azerbaijan Air Force helicopter units conducted a live-fire exercise according to the 2024 training plan. Prior to the flight, tasks were outlined on the map, target reports were prepared, and safety protocols were reviewed. The exercise included group flights from the base airfield and tasks focused on destroying surface targets of an imaginary enemy at the training range. The exercises successfully improved the combat capabilities of the helicopter crews.

On August 29, mountaineering training was conducted with the Marine units of the Navy as part of the 2024 training plan. The training involved navigating difficult terrain, descending rocky surfaces, crossing rivers and lakes, and evacuating wounded personnel. The goal was to adapt combat training to modern requirements and master both theoretical and practical self-defense skills.

On August 30, airborne and parachute jump exercises were held with Air Force units in accordance with the 2024 training plan approved by Minister of Defense Colonel General Zakir Hasanov. The exercises included parachute-landing operations, search-and-rescue tasks, and cargo drops from the air. These exercises aimed to enhance parachuting skills, improve combat and special training levels, and ensure the professionalism of the accomplishment of assigned tasks.

Border breach reports

On August 28, at approximately 06:45, the Azerbaijani side reported that Armenian armed forces units stationed in the Arazdeyen settlement of the Davali region fired small arms at Azerbaijan Army positions located near the Heydarabad settlement in the Sadarak region of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Later the same day, at 18:30, Armenian armed forces units, positioned in the Sultanbay settlement of the Pashali region, used small arms to fire upon Azerbaijan Army positions near the Shada settlement in the Shahbuz region of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan Military Lawyers Hold Working Meeting in Baku

On August 29, military lawyers from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan convened in Baku for a working meeting as part of the ongoing military cooperation between the two countries' defense ministries. The meeting focused on exchanging experiences related to the organization of legal services, military legislation, and the professional activities of military lawyers. Discussions also covered the alignment of military legislation with international law and principles, as well as a variety of other relevant issues.

Azerbaijan and Serbia Strengthen Military Medicine Cooperation in Baku Meeting

On August 30, Lieutenant Colonel of the Medical Service Anar Ismayilov, Acting Chief of the Medical Department of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan, met with Brigadier General Radivoje Andjelkovic, Head of the Military Health Department of the Ministry of Defense of Serbia, who was visiting Azerbaijan.

During their meeting at the Medical Department of the Ministry of Defense, they engaged in a comprehensive discussion on enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the field of military medicine. The dialogue also covered various issues of mutual interest. The Azerbaijani side provided a briefing on the organization of medical services and military medical support within the Azerbaijan Army.

Following the meeting, the Serbian delegation visited the Main Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Defense and the Military Medical Faculty, where they were introduced to the facilities and conditions available.