Armenia

Armenian Defense Minister Congratulates Indian Counterpart on Re-Appointment

On June 10, the Armenian Defense Ministry announced that Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia, sent a letter of congratulations to H.E. Rajnath Singh, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of India, on his re-appointment.

"Please accept my sincere congratulations on your re-appointment as the Minister of Defence of the Republic of India. I am confident you will continue effectively applying your experience to strengthen India's defense capabilities. Allow me to extend my best wishes for your continued success in this important role and to express my gratitude for your support in promoting and enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of defense," Minister Papikyan conveyed in his letter.

Armenian Defense Chief Meets French Army Staff to Boost Bilateral Cooperation

On June 11, during the Conference of Commanders of European Armies in Germany, Lieutenant General Edward Asryan, the First Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, met with General Pierre Schill, Chief of the French Army Staff.

The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between Armenia and France, exchanging experience and personnel training. Both parties reached agreements aimed at further advancing their collaboration.

Armenia and Greece Forge Closer Ties in Military Training and Development

On June 11, during the Conference of Commanders of European Armies in Germany, Lieutenant General Edward Asryan, the First Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, held a meeting with Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff.

The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between Armenia and Greece, particularly in the areas of military training and personnel development.

Armenian General Participates in NATO Meeting, Emphasizes Defense Sector Transformation

On June 11, Major General Artur Yeroyan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, participated via video link in a NATO Military Committee meeting with Operational Partners on Chiefs of Defence level.

The meeting addressed urgent international and regional issues and discussed cooperation between NATO and partner countries. In his address, Major General Yeroyan underscored the significance of Armenia's collaboration with NATO in transforming its defense sector. He reiterated Armenia's dedication to ongoing participation in peacekeeping missions under NATO's auspices.

Armenian Soldier Found Dead with Gunshot Wound in Military Unit

On June 14, at around 8:20 a.m. [local time], the body of contract soldier Armen Gurgen Gasparyan was found with a gunshot wound in the security station of the N military unit of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Armenia. 

An investigation is currently underway to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

The Ministry of Defence expresses its heartfelt condolences and stands in support of the family, relatives, and comrades of the serviceman during this difficult time.

Azerbaijan

Body of Missing Azerbaijani Soldier Discovered Near Nakhchivan's Gunnut Settlement

On June 10, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that soldier Huseynov Jeyhun Tofig, a serviceman of the Azerbaijan Army, had gone missing on June 9 in the direction of the Gunnut settlement in the Sharur region of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Search efforts were immediately initiated.

On June 11, the body of soldier Huseynov Jeyhun Tofig, who had gone missing under unknown circumstances on June 9, was discovered and identified in the vicinity of Gunnut settlement in the Sharur region of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Local and international exercises

On June 10, the Caucasian Eagle - 2024 exercise showcased exceptional professionalism among Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia special forces. During this phase, the joint forces successfully identified and neutralized an imaginary enemy's location through a sudden anti-aircraft missile attack, effectively accomplishing their assigned objectives. The Caucasian Eagle - 2024 tactical special exercise concluded on June 12 as planned, with participation from special forces of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia. Throughout the exercise, which included aerial support, all designated tasks were executed flawlessly, demonstrating the high skill and professionalism of the servicemen involved.

Simultaneously, on June 10, military units conducted training sessions involving reservists in cooperation with the Main Department of the State Service for Mobilization and Conscription of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Reservists underwent registration and medical examinations and received military uniforms and supplies. The focus was on maintaining the peak combat readiness of military units, preparing reserve personnel for potential mobilization and wartime scenarios, and enhancing combat skills and familiarity with modern weaponry and equipment. The training encompassed both theoretical instruction and practical exercises across various specialties to elevate the combat proficiency of reservists.

Furthermore, on June 12, tactical exercises were conducted with units of the Azerbaijan Army stationed in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. These exercises, which included military personnel, combat vehicles, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles, aimed to enhance commanders' decision-making abilities, professionalism, and operational coordination between units. In parallel, under an agreement with Iran, similar tactical exercises were planned in Iranian territory, involving their respective military forces. These exercises focused on safeguarding strategic assets and communication lines against potential sabotage, fostering synchronized operations between Azerbaijan and Iran.

Azerbaijan and Georgia Strengthen Military Cooperation with Defense Ministerial Visit

On June 10, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Defense Minister of Azerbaijan, welcomed Irakli Chikovani, the Minister of Defense of Georgia, on an official visit to Azerbaijan. 

Colonel General Hasanov expressed his pleasure at hosting the Georgian delegation, highlighting the longstanding friendship and mutual trust between Azerbaijan and Georgia. Regarding the ongoing efforts in the recently liberated territories after the Second Karabakh War, Hasanov noted the extensive mine clearance operations due to which 12 percent of Azerbaijan's territory remains affected. He underscored the casualties and injuries caused by mine explosions, affecting civilians and servicemen.

Colonel General Hasanov also pointed out the expanding strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia, mentioning plans for 21 joint military events in 2024. He invited Mr. Chikovani to attend the 5th Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX) in Baku, which is scheduled for September. 

Both ministers stressed the importance of increasing joint exercises, including the Eternity and Caucasian Eagle exercises, which facilitate mutual experience exchange and foster camaraderie among military personnel. They reaffirmed mutual support for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, expressing confidence that defense cooperation will contribute to regional peace and stability. Discussions during the meeting also covered prospects for enhancing military, educational cooperation, regional security, and other mutual interests.

On June 12, representatives from the Press Service of the Main Department for Personnel of the Azerbaijan Defense Ministry and the Strategic Communications and Public Relations Department of the Georgian Defense Ministry met in Baku. The Azerbaijani side provided detailed insights into their Communication Strategy, particularly highlighting measures taken during the 44-day war to counter disinformation and achieve the Azerbaijani army's victory. The meeting included discussions on aligning communication strategies between the armies of Azerbaijan and Georgia and exploring avenues for cooperation in military information.

Azerbaijan and Austria Strengthen Military Ties in Official Visit

On June 11, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Defense Minister of Azerbaijan, welcomed a delegation led by Arnold Kammel, Secretary General of the Federal Ministry of Defense of Austria, who was on an official visit to Azerbaijan. 

During the meeting, there was a strong emphasis on enhancing strategic ties and expanding security cooperation between Azerbaijan and Austria. Colonel General Hasanov mentioned the participation of Azerbaijani servicemen in various courses, seminars, and trainings organized by Austria under the Eastern Partnership program of the European Union. He invited Dr. Kammel to attend the 5th Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX) in Baku in September 2024.

Dr. Arnold Kammel expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the importance of further developing military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Austria. Discussions during the meeting covered the current state of bilateral relations in military, military-technical, and military educational fields. Both sides underscored the significance of organizing staff talks and mutual visits to enhance joint military cooperation moving forward.

Border breaches

On June 12, from 10:05 to 17:50 [local time], the Azerbaijani side reported that Armenian armed forces units repeatedly fired small arms at Azerbaijan Army positions in the Havush settlement of the Sharur region, Nurgut settlement of the Ordubad region, and Guney Gishlag settlement of the Sahbuz region in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

On June 13, at 19:50, Armenian armed forces units using small arms fired upon Azerbaijan Army positions in the Yukhari Buzgov settlement of Babak region in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

On June 14, at 07:15, Armenian armed forces units stationed in the Khachik settlement of the Soylan region fired small arms at Azerbaijan Army positions in the Akhura settlement of the Sharur region in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Later on June 14, at 13:55, Armenian armed forces units located in the Boyuk Vedi region fired small arms at Azerbaijan Army positions in the Sadarak region of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

On June 16, at 00:50, Armenian armed forces units positioned in the Bardzruni settlement of Yeghegnadzor region fired small arms at Azerbaijan Army positions in the Shada settlement of Shahbuz region in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

The Armenian side denied all the statements.

NATO Air Force Command Launches Airspace Management Course in Baku

On June 14, the NATO Air Force Command's Mobile Training Team initiated a "Management and Control of Airspace at Air Force" course for Air Force personnel in Baku.

The course aims to instruct participants in the fundamental principles of airspace management and control activities within NATO, enhancing their theoretical knowledge.

Azerbaijan Welcomes Chinese Military Delegation, Strengthens Cooperation

On June 14, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, welcomed a delegation led by Major General Yao Qin, Deputy Chief of the Office for International Military Cooperation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, who was visiting Azerbaijan. Colonel General Z. Hasanov highlighted the significant role the Azerbaijani and Chinese leadership played in advancing bilateral relations positively. 

During the meeting, the Azerbaijani Defense Minister briefed the Chinese delegation on the current operational situation along the Azerbaijani-Armenian border. Major General Yao Qin invited Hasanov to attend the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum scheduled for September 2024 in Beijing, highlighting ongoing Chinese and Azerbaijani readiness to support regional peace and stability.

On June 15, the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Office for International Military Cooperation delegation continued their visit to Azerbaijan. They held a meeting at the Azerbaijan Defense Ministry's International Military Cooperation Department, where representatives from both the Azerbaijani Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army discussed the current state and prospects of their military cooperation. The discussions also covered various mutual interests, including plans for joint military education activities.

Serbian Defense Minister Visits Azerbaijan

On June 14, a delegation headed by the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Bratislav Gašić, arrived in Azerbaijan for an official visit at the invitation of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov. 

Hasanov underscored the strong strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia, emphasizing the importance of further enhancing bilateral military cooperation. The Azerbaijani Defense Minister also briefed the Serbian delegation on the regional situation, noting that Armenian armed forces and illegal armed groups were completely withdrawn from Azerbaijani territory following the Second Karabakh War and subsequent anti-terror operations.

Colonel General Z. Hasanov invited Mr. Gašić to attend the 5th Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition (ADEX), scheduled for September 2024 in Baku. In response, Mr. Gašić expressed his satisfaction with the visit. He congratulated his Azerbaijani counterpart on the victory in the Second Karabakh War and reaffirmed Serbia's readiness for cooperation across all sectors.

The meeting included a comprehensive exchange of views on current bilateral relations in military, military-technical, and military-educational spheres and discussions on regional security and other mutual interests.

Georgia

Georgia Receives NATO-Standard Armored Vehicles from Turkey

On June 12, the Georgian Defense Ministry reported that in accordance with an agreement signed with Turkey, the Georgian defense forces received new VURAN armored personnel carriers that meet NATO standards. The handover ceremony of these off-road armored vehicles took place at the training ground of the 4th Infantry Brigade in Vaziani. Deputy Minister of Defense Sergo Janelidze, Deputy Commander of the Defense Forces Brigadier General Irakli Chichinadze, Commander of Logistics Brigadier General Kakha Tabatadze, as well as Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Georgia Ali Kaan Orbay and the Defense Attaché, attended the event. The general manager of "ASFAT," a company under the Ministry of National Defense of Turkey, also attended the ceremony.

The VURAN armored vehicles are equipped with NATO-standard equipment and subsystems. Their introduction into the Georgian Defense Forces is expected to significantly bolster Georgia's defense capabilities and deepen cooperation between Turkey and Georgia.

Georgia's Defense Minister Joins International Support Efforts for Ukraine in Brussels

On June 13, Irakli Chikovani, the Minister of Defense of Georgia, participated in a meeting of the Defense Contact Group of Ukraine in the Kingdom of Belgium. This 23rd meeting of the international group was convened in Brussels and opened by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The gathering was attended by heads of defense agencies and senior officials from numerous countries that support Ukraine.

The discussions focused on the ongoing situation resulting from Russia's aggression in Ukraine and the necessity of providing coordinated military assistance to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. The Defense Contact Group of Ukraine, established in April 2022 at the initiative of the United States, includes over 50 countries committed to supporting Ukraine in various capacities.

Georgian-Polish Task Group Advances Toward NATO Rapid Reaction Force Certification

On June 14, the Georgian-Polish Multinational Special Operations Land Task Group completed the next phase of joint training involving the Georgian Special Operations Command's ranger unit and the Polish Special Operations Command. The highlight of this joint effort was a demonstration raid operation conducted in Mukhrovani. Following a positive evaluation at the tactical level, the task group (GEO-POL MNSOLTG) has advanced to the next stage of preparation for certification within the NATO Rapid Reaction Force (NRF) 2024 rotation.

Colonel Teimuraz Klateishvili, the special operations commander, personally attended the joint training of Georgian and Polish special operations units. He congratulated the personnel on their successful assessment at the tactical level for NRF certification and extended his best wishes for their future professional endeavors. At the Mukhrovani base, the visiting officials toured an exhibition showcasing equipment and gear.

Previously, one company from the Georgian Special Operations Command's ranger battalion had already completed training and certification for NRF inclusion. Currently, the second group from the Ranger Battalion of Georgia's Special Operations Command is undergoing the necessary stages for certification.