Armenia

Armenian Soldier Suffers Critical Gunshot Wound

At 00:45 on July 3, the Armenian Defense Ministry announced that contractual soldier Sargis Arturi Khachatryan from the N military unit of the Defense Department sustained a life-threatening gunshot wound. An investigation is currently ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The Ministry of Defense has extended condolences and support to the serviceman's family, relatives, and friends.

Armenia and US to Conduct Joint Military Exercise 'EAGLE PARTNER 2024'

On July 6, the Armenia-US joint exercise "EAGLE PARTNER 2024" was announced to take place from July 15 to 24 in Armenia as part of preparations for international peacekeeping missions. The exercise will involve servicemembers from the peacekeeping brigade of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, the US Army Europe and Africa, and the Kansas National Guard.

Focused on stabilization tasks amidst conflicting parties during peacekeeping missions, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability among participating units, exchange best practices in command and tactical communication, and bolster readiness within the Armenian unit. Such joint military exercises are routine for units preparing for international peacekeeping operations, fostering cooperation with partner countries.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani Defense Ministry Discovers Ammunition Cache in Karabakh Region

On July 2, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry announced that during engineering reconnaissance in Karabakh, a significant quantity of ammunition boxes and artillery shells previously belonging to Armenian armed formations were discovered. The Azerbaijan Army's Engineer-sapper units conducted operations in the Khojaly region, resulting in the seizure of the ammunition and shells. Efforts to detect and neutralize mines and unexploded ordnance and provide necessary engineering support in the liberated territories are currently ongoing.

Colonel General Hasanov Joins Belarus Independence Day Celebrations in Minsk

On July 2, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, visited the Republic of Belarus. His agenda included participation in the military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of Belarus' liberation from Nazi invaders and its Independence Day, as well as attending the Council of Defense Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Azerbaijan and NATO Strengthen Relations in High-Level Military Talks

On July 2, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, the First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, met with Major General Stefan Fix, Deputy Chief of Staff Support of NATO Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, who was visiting Azerbaijan. Welcoming General Fix, Valiyev expressed satisfaction with his presence in Azerbaijan and highlighted the current strong state of relations with NATO.

Both sides affirmed their confidence that the cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO will continue to be mutually beneficial, with ongoing productive meetings. Colonel General Valiyev acknowledged NATO's significant role in training Azerbaijani Army units under the NATO Operational Capabilities Concept, emphasizing Azerbaijan's appreciation for this support.

In response, Major General Fix expressed his satisfaction with visiting Azerbaijan and underscored the importance of further advancing relations between NATO and Azerbaijan. He commended the professional contributions of Azerbaijani Army servicemen in peacekeeping missions and other areas under the NATO partnership.

During the meeting, a broad exchange of views took place on various other matters of mutual interest between the two sides.

Local exercises

On July 4, a tactical-special exercise involving personnel from various branches of the Azerbaijan Army was conducted to assess combat support capabilities, enhance interoperability, and improve joint operations under challenging terrain conditions. The leadership of the Defense Ministry visited troop control points to observe the exercise's progress.

During the visit, Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov was briefed that servicemen demonstrated professionalism in executing tasks during the exercise, utilizing modern control systems and advanced technologies. The exercise primarily focused on optimizing command and control structures, refining commanders' decision-making skills, and enhancing operational effectiveness.

Georgia

Georgian Defense Ministry Launches Investigation into Su-25 Aircraft Tragedy

On July 2, the Georgian Defense Ministry reported that during a planned military exercise involving the aviation component, a tragic incident occurred involving a Su-25 aircraft of the Defense Forces, resulting in the death of pilot Kakhaber Zurabashvili from the Aviation and Air Command. The Ministry of Defense is currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the causes of the incident.

The Ministry of Defense expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident and extended condolences to the family and relatives of Lt. Col. Kakhaber Zurabashvili. Minister of Defense of Georgia Irakli Chikovani and Commander of the Defense Forces, Major General Giorgi Matiashvili, visited the accident scene, where investigative actions were conducted throughout the night over several hectares.

All necessary procedures are being carried out by relevant authorities to facilitate a comprehensive investigation. At present, parts of the aircraft have been identified, and the black box has been recovered, while the pilot's body has been transferred to the morgue. A case has been initiated under Article 401 concerning the violation of safety rules during the flight of a military aircraft, with the military police overseeing the investigation under the General Prosecutor's Office.

Preliminary findings indicate that the aircraft underwent a complete pre-flight check according to technical requirements, including necessary training and adherence to regulations. The Ministry of Defense reiterated its condolences and sadness over the loss of Lt. Col. Kakhaber Zurabashvili.

In the Bolnisi region, where the incident occurred, the Military Police Department of the Ministry of Defense completed investigative and procedural actions. Representatives from the Defense Forces and Ministry of Internal Affairs units have since departed the area. Continuous efforts were made round-the-clock across several hectares to gather evidence, with forensic experts conducting a detailed examination of the crash site. Key evidence related to the case was identified and collected, including parts of the aircraft and relevant documents, alongside witness interviews as part of the ongoing investigation.

Georgia Expresses Disappointment Over US Decision to Postpone Military Exercise

On July 5, the Georgian Defense Ministry acknowledged the longstanding defense partnership between the United States and Georgia, emphasizing shared interests and goals. The Ministry expressed regret over the indefinite postponement of the multinational exercise "Worthy Partner 2024" by the United States Department of Defense.

International exercises like "Worthy Partner 2024" are seen as advantageous for both Georgia and the United States, as well as participating partner countries, contributing significantly to bolstering defense capabilities, enhancing military personnel skills, fostering professionalism, and improving interoperability.

Despite the postponement, the Ministry highlighted ongoing mutually beneficial cooperation formats in defense and security between the US Department of Defense and the Ministry of Defense of Georgia. Efforts continue in various capacities, including preparations for future multinational exercises such as "Strong Spirit 2025".

Georgia Prepares for 'Partner-2024' Inter-Agency Crisis Exercise

From July 8 to 12, the National Guard of the Defense Forces of Georgia will organize the inter-departmental exercise "Partner-2024" in Khelvachauri and Tetritskaro municipalities. The exercise aims to enhance inter-agency coordination during crisis and emergency situations following a simulation scenario.

"Partner-2024" involves personnel from the National Guard of Defense Forces, special operations units, aviation and air defense commands, military police, and representatives from volunteer organizations. Various services from the Ministries of Internal Affairs, IDPs from Occupied Territories, Labor, Health, and Social Protection are also participating. The Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth and local municipalities support these inter-agency training efforts.