Armenia

Armenian President Appoints New High-Ranking Officers in Armed Forces

On November 27, the Armenian Defense Ministry reported that, following the recommendations of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President Vahagn Khachaturyan signed decrees appointing several high-ranking officers to key positions within the Armenian Armed Forces.

Colonel Levon Davidyan was appointed Commander of the Special Forces, Major General Alexander Tsakanyan became the First Deputy Head of the Operational Chief Department of the Armed Forces General Staff, Colonel Simon Nazaryan was named Commander of the 3rd Army Corps, Colonel Gagik Poghosyan was appointed Commander of the 5th Army Corps, and Major General Albert Baghdadyan was appointed Head of the Armenian Defense National Research University.

Armenian Military Delegation, Led by Major General Grigoryan, Visits Italy for Cooperation Talks

On November 29, a delegation headed by Major General Karen Grigoryan, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, visited the Republic of Italy. During the visit, the delegation participated in the Armenia-Italy 2024 Cooperation Program (ITA4).

The delegation met with Brigadier General Dello Monaco, Commander of the Engineer Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Italy, and other officials from the brigade. Discussions focused on the development and deepening of bilateral cooperation, both within the EU and NATO frameworks. The Italian side provided details on various activities carried out in the Italian Armed Forces, including preparing engineer troops, training specialists, and conducting drills and peacekeeping mission engineering operations.

Major General Karen Grigoryan expressed gratitude for the invitation and warm reception on behalf of the management of the Defense Ministry of the Republic of Armenia.

Armenian Defense Minister Papikyan Meets Russian Ambassador Kopirkin to Discuss Bilateral and Regional Security

On November 29, Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, received Sergey Kopirkin, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Armenia. During the meeting, Ambassador Kopirkin introduced Colonel Alexander Goryunov, the newly appointed Defense Attaché of the Russian Embassy in Armenia, to Minister Papikyan. The Minister congratulated Colonel Goryunov on his appointment and wished him a productive tenure. The discussion also covered matters related to the bilateral agenda and regional security.

Armenian Brigadier General Pashikyan Participates in NATO Military Medical Committee Meeting

On November 29, Brigadier General Gegham Pashikyan, the Head of the Military Medical Service Department of the Ministry of Defense, participated in the annual working session of the Committee of Heads of Military Medical Services of NATO and Cooperating Countries (COMEDS) in Brussels. The session addressed current challenges in military medical care, lessons learned, and recommendations for improving modern combat medical care. Brigadier General Pashikyan held separate meetings with the director of the NATO Center of Military Medical Excellence, the spokesman of the "United Health Care Group," and the head of the "CAMO-25" medical evacuation exercise scheduled for May 2025. These meetings discussed organizational issues of mutual interest and future collaboration in the military medical field.

Armenian Humanitarian Team Suspended from Aleppo Due to Escalating Conflict

On November 29, the Armenian Defense Ministry reported that the operational situation in several regions of the Syrian Arab Republic had significantly worsened in recent days, resulting in active military operations. This escalation made it impossible for the Armenian humanitarian demining and medical team, which had been working in the Aleppo region since 2019, to continue its activities. Consequently, a decision was made to temporarily suspend the team's operations in Aleppo. Later that evening, the entire humanitarian demining and medical team personnel returned to Armenia aboard a military transportation aircraft from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia.

Azerbaijan

Local and International Exercises

On November 25, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry announced the start of the Araz-2024 joint tactical exercise involving the special forces of the Azerbaijani Army's Land Forces and the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (SEPAH) Ground Forces near Aslanduz in the Ardabil province of Iran. Before the exercise, a command-staff meeting was held with senior officials from both countries to outline the stages and safety regulations for the exercise. The opening ceremony followed, after which military personnel familiarized themselves with the exercise area.

On the same day, Azerbaijani Air Force aircraft conducted training flights. The pilots’ theoretical knowledge was assessed, and military personnel were briefed on safety protocols. After health assessments, the pilots inspected Su-25 and Su-25ML attack aircraft. The exercises included takeoff and landing tasks, complex maneuvers at various altitudes, aerial reconnaissance, and the identification of imaginary enemy targets. The goal was to enhance combat skills, which the pilots carried out with professionalism and precision.

On November 26, the preparatory phase of the Araz-2024 exercise was completed, with personnel becoming familiar with the training range. The commanders presented their reports, and the training continued in the exercise area.

On the same day, the “SAT-SAS-2024” joint exercise took place at Aksaz Naval Base in Marmaris, Türkiye, with underwater offense and defense units from Azerbaijan and Türkiye participating. Marine special forces practiced tasks such as circular protection and defense while rappelling into enemy territory from a helicopter, demonstrating high levels of professionalism.

The Araz-2024 exercise concluded on November 28. During the primary phase, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were used for reconnaissance, while radio-electronic warfare operations were conducted. Artillery fire and UAVs neutralized the positions of the imaginary enemy. The servicemen’s precision in neutralizing enemy manpower was praised, and several outstanding personnel were recognized for their exemplary performance.

On the same day, the “SAT-SAS-2024” exercise continued, with naval forces from both countries neutralizing improvised explosive devices and conducting covert operations against an imaginary enemy's target ship, including underwater deployment of special naval mines. The primary aim of this exercise was to improve theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

On November 29, special tactical exercises were conducted with various military units. The units were put on alert and deployed to training areas where they carried out tasks to achieve combat readiness. Artillery fire destroyed enemy positions, and tasks were completed in challenging mountainous and wooded terrain. 

The “SAT-SAS-2024” exercise also concluded on November 29 with special forces successfully executing tasks involving covert surveillance and assault operations against an imaginary enemy target. All tasks were accomplished during the joint exercise at Aksaz Naval Base.

Azerbaijan and NATO Discuss Future Cooperation at 30th Anniversary of Partnership for Peace

On November 25, a delegation led by NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary-General for Operations, Ms. Burcu San, visited Azerbaijan to participate in the Academic Conference marking the 30th anniversary of Azerbaijan's joining NATO's Partnership for Peace Programme. Colonel Elchin Abdullayev, the International Military Cooperation Department Chief, met with the NATO delegation.

The meeting focused on the implementation of commitments under the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP), which forms the main legal framework for Azerbaijan's cooperation with NATO. Discussions included the involvement of Azerbaijani servicemen in international security missions, as well as the training of various military units declared by Azerbaijan to the NATO Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) Joint Force. The contributions of Azerbaijani military personnel to NATO’s headquarters and other structures under the Partnership Staff Post Concept were also addressed.

In the meeting, which was also attended by the Head of the Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to NATO, Mr. Jafar Huseynzada, it was emphasized that Azerbaijan remains a reliable NATO partner. A detailed exchange of views took place regarding the prospects of cooperation.

Georgia

Irakli Chikovani Outlines Georgia's Defense Reforms and Future Plans in Parliamentary Speech

On November 27, Irakli Chikovani, the then-candidate for the Ministry of Defense of Georgia, addressed the parliament during a confidence vote for the government. He outlined the reforms implemented within the defense system and discussed plans. Chikovani expressed gratitude to the Defense Forces, including generals, officers, sergeants, corporals, regulators, and wounded fighters and heroes, praising their service to the country. He emphasized that strengthening Georgia's defense capability is a key government priority and focused on developing combat capabilities and defensive measures.

Chikovani highlighted efforts to enhance air defense, anti-armor, artillery, intelligence, engineering capabilities, and improvements to the army's mobility. He mentioned the ongoing recovery and modernization of aviation and the provision of the Defense Forces with modern equipment. He also noted significant infrastructure projects, including constructing regional centers for the Call and Recruitment Agency and providing municipal centers.

Regarding changes to the Defense Code, Chikovani announced that starting from 2025, national military service would only be possible within the Defense Forces, with enhanced training and social conditions. He also spoke about strengthening the military industry, noting steps taken to boost Georgian military production and acquire export markets.

Chikovani updated the parliament on bilateral cooperation with international partners, mentioning ongoing collaboration with 34 partner states. He expressed hope for continued fruitful relations with the U.S. despite recent setbacks due to a U.S. decision to postpone joint training programs.

Additionally, Chikovani outlined plans to improve social conditions for soldiers, including a 10% salary increase in 2025. He highlighted the significant rise in salaries, with the title wage for contract service increasing by about 70% compared to previous years. Chikovani answered questions posed by deputies during a joint session of the Committees on Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Defense and Security, and Procedural Affairs and Rules.