Weekly Brief on Military Situation in South Caucasus Countries (October 14-20)
Armenia
Armenian Defense Minister Discusses Military Cooperation with French Ambassador
On October 14, 2024, Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defence of Armenia, met with Olivier Decottignies, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Armenia.
During the meeting, they discussed the current state and future direction of defense cooperation between Armenia and France, emphasizing ongoing reforms within the Armenian Armed Forces and related cooperative programs with France.
Armenian Defense Delegation Attends AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.
On October 15, a delegation led by Lieutenant General Edward Asryan, First Deputy Minister of Defense of Armenia and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, embarked on a working visit to the United States to attend the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C., which ran from October 13 to 16.
During the visit, Lieutenant General Asryan met with key US defense officials, including Mike Miller, Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency; Brigadier General Allen Pepper, Commander of the Security Support Command of the US Army; and Teresa Guenov, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. Discussions centered on the Armenia-US defense partnership, upcoming programs, and regional security challenges.
On October 16, General Asryan held a meeting with General Charles Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Armed Forces. The two leaders addressed topics of mutual interest, with the US side reaffirming its commitment to supporting the transformation and reforms of the Armenian Armed Forces.
Armenian Delegation Participates in NATO Operational Capability Concept Conference in Morocco
From October 13 to 17, 2024, a delegation led by Major General Artur Yeroyan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Armenia, participated in the annual NATO Operational Capability Concept (OCC) Conference in Casablanca, Morocco. The conference evaluated NATO partner units for interoperability with NATO forces in international missions.
During his visit, Major General Yeroyan met with several high-ranking officials, including Vice Admiral Gunnstein Bruåsdal from Norway and Brigadier General Martin Remes from Slovakia. Discussions focused on cooperation and the upcoming interoperability evaluations. The Armenian delegation also received certificates confirming their level of interoperability from the previous evaluation round.
Azerbaijan
Local Exercise
On October 14, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that the Air Force conducted training flights as part of its operational plan.
The flights followed predetermined routes, where pilots performed take-offs, landings, and complex piloting and combat maneuvers at low and medium altitudes. These exercises showcased the pilots' professionalism and combat readiness.
Azerbaijan Army Launches Intellectual Capabilities Units as Part of Reforms
On October 15, the Azerbaijan Army established Intellectual Capabilities Units as part of ongoing reforms under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The Ministry of Defense implemented a new military service concept aimed at effectively utilizing the knowledge and skills of highly educated conscripts.
These individuals, particularly those excelling in education or scoring 600+ on university entrance exams, will serve in specialized conditions within units established under the National Defense University. The initiative seeks to engage talented youth in various projects aligned with their qualifications. Conscripts with relevant IT skills are expected to enhance the Army's digital capabilities.
Baku Hosts Staff Talks to Strengthen Azerbaijan-Italy Military Cooperation
On October 18, staff talks were held in Baku as part of the 2024 bilateral cooperation plan signed between the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan and the General Staff of Italy.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the importance of regional and international security and the significance of joint efforts in ensuring peace. They exchanged views on military-technical and military-educational cooperation. The discussions concluded with the signing of protocols to formalize the agreements reached.
Azerbaijani Military Lawyers Delegation Visits Türkiye for International Humanitarian Law Discussions
On October 18, a delegation of military lawyers from Azerbaijan, led by Justice Colonel Elchin Aliyev, Chief of the Legal Department of the Ministry of Defense, visited Türkiye.
They met with Şuay Alpay, Deputy Minister of National Defense of Türkiye, and discussed international humanitarian law, the integration of legal norms into military operations, and moral conduct during armed conflict. The visit coincided with Türkiye's Day of Restoration of Independence, which was also marked during the event.
Georgia
Georgia Commemorates Veterans Day with Tribute to Heroes
On October 17, Georgia celebrated Veterans Day with an official event attended by Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, government members, and representatives of the Defense Forces.
Minister Chikovani extended his gratitude to veterans, particularly honoring wounded veterans and those who lost their lives in battles for Georgia's unity. Prime Minister Kobakhidze highlighted ongoing government support for veterans, and Major General Koba Kobaladze, Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, emphasized continued efforts to improve veterans' living conditions.
Georgian Special Operations Command Shines at Cambrian Patrol 2024
On October 19, Georgian military personnel from the Special Operations Command returned from the Cambrian Patrol 2024 competition in Wales with gold medals, achieving the best result among 35 participating countries.
Upon arrival at Tbilisi International Airport, the servicemen were greeted by Colonel Teimuraz Klateishvili, Commander of Special Operations, who congratulated the team and wished them continued success. Cambrian Patrol, one of the toughest endurance tests for military units, is organized by the British Army and has been held since 1959.