Weekly Brief on Military Situation in South Caucasus Countries (July 22-28)
Armenia
Armenian Defense Minister Thanks EU for Support Under European Peace Facility
On July 22, the Armenian Defense Ministry reported that Suren Papikyan, the Armenian Defense Minister, stated, "I extend my gratitude to the European Union and its member states for their decision to support Armenia under the European Peace Facility. This partnership effort, grounded in mutual trust and shared interests between Armenia and the EU, aims to strengthen Armenia's defense capabilities. I am confident this initiative will give a new charge to closer cooperation with our partner EU member countries in bilateral and multilateral formats."
Armenia and US Conclude 'EAGLE PARTNER 2024' Military Exercise
On July 24, the closing ceremony of the joint Armenia-US military exercise "EAGLE PARTNER 2024" took place in Armenia. Held from July 15 to 24, the exercise was part of the preparation for participation in international peacekeeping missions. The leadership expressed gratitude to the personnel for their productive interoperability, the successful execution of joint trainings, and the sharing of valuable experience.
Azerbaijan
Local exercises
On July 22, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that the aircraft of the Azerbaijan Air Force conducted training flights. Before the flights, military personnel were briefed on safety rules, and military pilots underwent checks followed by practical flights. According to the training scenario, Su-25ML and Su-25 aircraft performed tasks involving takeoff, landing, and complex combat maneuvers at various altitudes during daylight hours. Military pilots demonstrated high professionalism, focusing on enhancing their combat capabilities.
On July 23, the Azerbaijan Army held a sniper training course. In accordance with the training program, servicemen learned the tactical and technical features of sniper rifles and honed their practical fire training skills. During the course, snipers completed tasks involving the selection of firing positions, camouflage, and the detection and precise destruction of targets at different distances.
Azerbaijan's National Defense University Hosts Chinese Military Delegation
On July 23, the National Defense University hosted a meeting with a Chinese People's Liberation Army Academy of Military Sciences delegation. The visitors were briefed on the National Defense University's history and main activities. During the meeting, the current situation and progress of cooperation in military education between Azerbaijan and China were discussed. Both sides highly appreciated the successful participation of Azerbaijan Army personnel in courses organized in China. The importance of such meetings for developing mutual relations and exchanging experiences was emphasized.
The head of the Chinese People's Liberation Army delegation signed the university's Honor Book. The guests also visited the Foreign Language Center of the Military Administration Institute. After acquainting themselves with the center, they discussed the possibilities of applying modern technologies in the teaching process and the issues of teaching the Chinese language to servicemen of the Azerbaijan Army.
Azerbaijan Reports Armenian Quadcopter Reconnaissance Attempt in Tovuz Region
On July 25, at around 10:55 [local time], the Azerbaijani side reported that a quadcopter from the Armenian armed forces attempted to conduct reconnaissance flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near the Aghdam settlement in the Tovuz region. Thanks to the vigilance of the Azerbaijan Army units, the UAV's activity was disrupted with special technical means, forcing it to leave the area.
The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan reported that recently, Armenia has committed provocations using heavy weapons in Kalbajar and quadcopters in Tovuz. Such provocations by Armenia are not new and have become systematic. Military exercises conducted by the United States in Armenia, the provision of lethal weapons to Armenia by France, and the initial phase of military aid amounting to ten million euros provided to Armenia by the European Union under the guise of the European Peace Facility encourage Armenia to carry out such provocations, indicating its preparation for another war against Azerbaijan.
The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan warned that Armenia and its supporters must refrain from creating a new conflict zone in the South Caucasus region. If these provocative actions against Azerbaijan are not stopped, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan will take necessary response measures using all means at their disposal for self-defense. The ministry declared that the military-political leadership of Armenia and its supporters will bear full responsibility for escalating the situation in the region.
The Armenian side denied both reports.
Georgia
Georgian Defense Forces Complete Intense Field Training with Bravo Company
On July 22, the Georgian Defense Ministry reported that "Bravo" Company of the 11th Light Battalion of the 1st Infantry Brigade of the Eastern Command of the Defense Forces of Georgia completed field training with combat firing at the Orfolo training ground. The training lasted for four weeks. In the final phase of the defensive operation, Bravo Company was supported by the 11th Light Infantry Battalion of the 1st Infantry Brigade, an engineer company, an 82mm mortar platoon, and a sniper team. Observers and controllers evaluated the planned training positively. The goal of the training was coordinated preparation with supporting elements.