Armenia

Armenian Military Police Uncover Weapons Cache in Gyumri

On March 11, the Armenian Defense Ministry reported that thanks to the informative efforts undertaken by the Gyumri department personnel of the Armenian military police among citizens, various types of weaponry and ammunition were discovered. The findings included artillery shells, self-propelled projectiles, as well as bullets, totaling 3007 rounds of different dimensions.

The Armenian Defense Military Police affirmed its commitment to ongoing efforts in uncovering unlawfully held weapons and ammunition. Additionally, they urge individuals to voluntarily surrender any illegally possessed arms and ammunition to the nearest Ro territorial divisions to avoid potential criminal repercussions.

Armenian Defense Minister Discusses Cooperation with Austrian Ambassador

On March 13, Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia, received Thomas Mühlmann, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Austria to the Republic of Armenia, and Colonel Thomas Ahamer, the Defence Attaché. During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the enhancement of cooperation within the defense sector and the addressing of regional security issues.

Armenian Deputy Defense Minister Holds Talks in India to Boost Defense Cooperation

On March 14, Karen Brutyan, the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia, who was on a working visit to the Republic of India from March 11-14, participated in meetings with senior officials from the Indian Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These officials included Anurag Bajpai, Joint Secretary (Defence Industries Cooperation) in the Department of Defence Production; Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary of International Cooperation; Pawan Kapoor, Foreign Affairs Secretary; and Sandeep Singh, the Military Advisor to the National Security Council. The primary focus of these discussions was to strengthen cooperation in the defense sector between Armenia and India.

Azerbaijan

Breach of ceasefire

At 12:10 [local time] on March 11, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry announced that Armenian armed forces units from positions near the Chinarli settlement in the Tovuzgala region attempted reconnaissance flights using a quadrocopter over Azerbaijan Army positions near the Asrik settlement in the Tovuz region. Thanks to the vigilance of Azerbaijan Army Units, the detected unmanned aerial vehicle was neutralized using special technical means.

Local exercises

On March 12, a tactical-special exercise titled "Conducting combat operations in snowdrifts and severe cold" was conducted with Special Forces units and subunits, as per the 2024 training plan. The exercise encompassed various activities aimed at enhancing combat readiness in challenging conditions. Per the exercise plan, special forces units infiltrated deep into the operational area, mapping out tasks and successfully neutralizing an imaginary enemy sabotage group. Additionally, training focused on movement rules utilizing mountaineering tools in high-mountainous terrain, steep descents, and slopes. During the tactical exercise, snipers demonstrated proficiency in individual and paired movement tasks, including selecting firing positions, camouflage techniques, and engaging targets at varying distances. The performance of the special forces garnered commendation, reflecting efforts to enhance the knowledge and skills of command staff in unit management, combat operations, rescue measures, and practical military skills.

On March 15, the Combined Arms Army continued practical training sessions on combat readiness within the Rocket and Artillery formations, units, and subunits, as outlined in the established plan. These sessions took place across training ranges and areas. The training involved the participation of self-propelled and trailed artillery units, as well as Uragan, Smerch, and Grad rocket systems, mortar batteries, and radiolocation intelligence complexes. The primary focus of the training for Rocket and Artillery formations, units, and subunits was to enhance practical skills in monitoring imaginary enemy activities, target detection, and completing firing tasks using unmanned aerial vehicles and troop intelligence equipment. The precise determination of target coordinates through utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles and laser rangefinders positively contributed to the personnel's proficiency in executing firing tasks. The level of combat readiness among Rocket and Artillery formations, units, and subunits was assessed through comprehensive exercises, inspecting the composition of batteries and divisions.

Georgia

US Army Commander Visits Georgia, Discusses Defense Cooperation

On March 11, the Georgian Defense Ministry reported that Brigadier General Brad Nicholson, the Commander of the US Army Security Support Staff, embarked on a visit to Georgia. During his visit, General Nicholson was received by Major General Giorgi Matiashvili, the Chief of the Defense Forces, and Deputy Minister Paata Patiashvili.

Discussions between the parties centered on the ongoing cooperation between the United States and Georgia in the realms of defense and security. The Georgian officials expressed gratitude to General Nicholson for the steadfast political and practical support extended by the US. They also delved into the progress and prospects of collaboration within the framework of US security assistance.

Acknowledgment was made of the significant contribution of Sardlobi to the modernization and transformation of the Georgian Defense Forces. Furthermore, the conversation touched upon the advancements in the implementation of the Georgian Defense and Detention Strengthening Initiative (GDDEI).

Italy Affirms Support for Georgia's Defense Capabilities During High-Level Visit

On March 12, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the Commander of the Italian Defense Forces, commenced an official visit to Georgia. During his visit, Admiral Cavo Dragone was received by Irakli Chikovani, the Minister of Defense of Georgia, who expressed gratitude to the Italian side for its unwavering political and practical support for Georgia's territorial integrity, sovereignty and integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. Minister Chikovani also underscored Italy's pivotal role as a significant international partner in bolstering Georgia's defense capabilities.

Subsequently, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone was hosted by Major General Giorgi Matiashvili, the Commander of the Defense Forces. Following an official welcoming ceremony, Georgian and Italian counterparts discussed ongoing cooperation in defense. During an extended meeting, which included representatives from the General Staff and the Italian delegation, various topics were deliberated, including joint participation in multinational military exercises, NATO-Georgia cooperation, and regional security challenges.

As a concluding gesture, the Commander of the Italian Defense Forces paid homage by laying a wreath at the Heroes' Square memorial, commemorating those who sacrificed their lives in the battles for Georgia's territorial integrity.

Georgian and Azerbaijani Defense Officials Discuss Strategic Cooperation

On March 12, Irakli Chikovani, Georgia's Minister of Defense, met with Ramil Usubov, the Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The discussions underscored the significance of strategic cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan. Minister Chikovani reiterated Georgia's commitment to contributing to the establishment of peace and stability in the South Caucasus region.

During the meeting, the parties discussed defense cooperation. They highlighted the active bilateral collaboration between Azerbaijan and Georgia in the defense sector, in line with the annual plan. Special attention was directed towards the Azerbaijan-Turkey-Georgia trilateral cooperation framework. Minister Chikovani further disclosed that Georgia is set to host the tripartite defense ministerial meeting later this year.

Georgian Defense Minister Discusses Cooperation with Norwegian Ambassador

On March 13, Irakli Chikovani, the Georgian Defense Minister, welcomed Bergljot Hovland, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway. During the meeting, discussions ensued regarding current matters and prospects for cooperation between the defense agencies of both countries. Special emphasis was placed on the significance of military education and collaboration between the Georgian National Guard and the Norwegian Home Guard. Moreover, attention was drawn to Norway's contribution to advancing the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center (JTEC).

On the same day, the Minister of Defense conducted an introductory meeting with the Israeli Ambassador. During the meeting, the minister emphasized the longstanding friendship between their peoples, rooted in the strong political ties between the two nations. The Defense Minister thanked the Israeli Ambassador for supporting Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, Irakli Chikovani conveyed solidarity with the diplomat in the wake of the terrorist attack on the Israeli state and its citizens on October 7, 2023.

NATO-Georgia Cooperation Discussed in Meeting with Defense Minister

On March 15, Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani convened a meeting with the head of the NATO Allied Office, the NATO Military Allied Officer, and representatives of the NATO Main Group. During the gathering, Irakli Chikovani underscored the significance of Jens Stoltenberg's visit to Georgia.

The discussions centered on issues about NATO-Georgian cooperation. The minister highlighted the Defense Agency's effective utilization of practical mechanisms within NATO-Georgian cooperation, bolstering the country's defense capabilities and enhancing compatibility with NATO standards. Special attention was directed toward the modernization efforts of the Georgian Defense Forces, the importance of the NATO-Georgia essential package, and the successful implementation of various initiatives.