Armenia

Armenia and UK Launch Defense Cooperation Seminar

On September 23, the Armenian Defense Ministry reported the launch of a seminar and training session titled "Strengthening the Welfare of High-Level Officials" within the framework of Armenia-United Kingdom Defense Cooperation. At the event's opening, Hamlet Batikyan, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense, welcomed John Gallagher, the UK Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia, along with UK representatives. Batikyan emphasized the importance of anti-corruption and internal audit measures organized by the defense ministries of both countries. He added that the objectives of this cooperation include promoting good governance, encouraging the UK's gradual investment in Armenia's defense system, and strengthening the foundations of benevolence and honesty at all levels of the Armenian defense system.

Armenian and Cypriot Defense Ministers Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation During Official Visit

On September 24, at the invitation of Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia, the delegation led by Vasilis Palmas, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, arrived in Armenia for an official visit. 

On September 25, Minister Papikyan received Minister Palmas at a welcoming ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence's administrative complex. 

The two ministers held a tête-à-tête meeting on the same day, followed by extended talks between the delegations. The ministers praised the high level of cooperation between Armenia and Cyprus in the defense sector. They discussed the current state of bilateral defense relations, exploring further opportunities for development. Topics included Armenia-Greece-Cyprus trilateral cooperation, ongoing reforms in the Armed Forces of both countries, and the exchange of experiences. They also addressed several issues concerning regional security.

After the meetings, Ministers Papikyan and Palmas made a joint statement to the press at the RA Ministry of Defence. Additionally, Minister Palmas planted a personalized spruce tree on the premises of the ministry's administrative complex. Later that day, he visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial, laying a wreath and placing flowers at the eternal flame in honor of the victims.

On September 26, as part of his official visit, Minister Palmas visited the Yerablur Military Pantheon, where he laid a wreath and paid tribute to the memory of the Armenians who sacrificed their lives to defend the country.

Border breach reports

On September 26, the Armenian Defense Ministry refuted a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan, which alleged that on September 26, at approximately 4:10 p.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces had opened fire toward Azerbaijani positions in the southwestern section of the border. The Armenian ministry emphasized that this claim did not correspond to reality. Additionally, the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia reiterated its proposal for the establishment of a joint Armenia-Azerbaijan mechanism to investigate ceasefire violations and related incidents, a proposal to which Azerbaijan has not yet responded.

On September 29, the Armenian Defense Ministry similarly denied another Azerbaijani statement, which claimed that on September 28, at around 11:20 p.m., Armenian forces had again fired on Azerbaijani positions in the same border region. The ministry reaffirmed the earlier proposal for a joint mechanism to investigate such incidents, noting that Azerbaijan had yet to respond.

Azerbaijan

International exercises

On September 23, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported the commencement of the "Eternity-2024" computer-assisted command-staff exercise in Georgia, involving military personnel from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Georgia. The exercise, comprising theoretical and practical components, focuses on protecting strategically important regional economic projects. In addition to military personnel, representatives from relevant state institutions also participate. The international exercise, aimed at strengthening mutual cooperation and reconciliation among the armed forces of the participating countries, will run until September 27.

On September 29, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry announced that Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan would hold the Maharat-2024 (Mastery) Computer-Assisted Tactical Command-Staff Exercise as part of the Bilateral Cooperation Plan for 2024, signed between the defense ministries of the two nations. Beginning on September 30 at the War Games Center of the Military Administration Institute, the exercise will involve over 100 servicemen from both countries. The primary objectives of the Maharat-2024 exercise include enhancing the interoperability of Azerbaijani and Uzbek operational units, strengthening their combat capabilities, and developing the decision-making, initiative, and management skills of unit commanders. The exercise is scheduled to continue until October 6.

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan Strengthen Military Ties

At the invitation of Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Colonel General Ruslan Zhaksylykov, arrived in Azerbaijan on September 23 to participate in the 5th Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition "ADEX." During the visit, discussions on military cooperation between the two countries, regional security, and other issues of mutual interest were planned.

On September 24, the 5th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition "ADEX" opened at the Baku Expo Center. On the same day, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov met with Colonel General Ruslan Zhaksylykov at the fair. The meeting underscored the friendly and fraternal roots of bilateral military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, highlighting how this cooperation strengthens both armies.

The two defense ministers reviewed the current state and prospects of military cooperation, exchanging detailed views on issues of mutual interest. After the meeting, the defense ministries of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan signed a bilateral military cooperation plan for 2025. Additionally, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between their National Defense Universities.

Türkiye and Azerbaijan Strengthen Military Ties

On September 24, the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Türkiye, Yaşar Güler, along with Chief of the General Staff Army General Metin Gürak, Navy Commander Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Commander of the Land Forces Army General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, and Air Force Commander Army General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, arrived in Baku at the invitation of the Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, to participate in the 5th Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition "ADEX." The Turkish delegation was welcomed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport by First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, alongside other senior officials from the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

During their visit to Baku, the Turkish delegation was scheduled to discuss expanding military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. On the same day, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov met with Minister Yaşar Güler within the framework of the ADEX event at the Baku Expo Center. The expanded meeting included participation from senior military officials from both countries, such as First Deputy Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, Deputy Minister of Defense Agil Gurbanov, Acting Deputy Minister of Defense and Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade, as well as Turkish officials, including the Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Cahit Bagci, and other high-ranking personnel.

The meeting reaffirmed Azerbaijani-Turkish relations are grounded in friendship, brotherhood, and a strategic alliance. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the current state of cooperation in military, military-technical, military-educational, and military-medical affairs. They also broadly exchanged views on regional security and future prospects for deepening bilateral relations.

Later, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov met with a delegation led by Haluk Gorgun, President of the Secretariat of Defense Industries under the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye. The meeting, which included representatives from key Turkish defense companies, emphasized the mutual benefits of joint military-technical projects, which aim to strengthen the defense capabilities of both nations further. Discussions also focused on exploring new opportunities for cooperation and enhancing joint production through technological innovation. The successful organization of the 5th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition "ADEX" was also praised during the meetings.

ADEX 2024: International Defense Exhibition Brings Together Military Leaders in Baku

On September 24, the Minister of Defense of Italy, Guido Crosetto, arrived in Baku to participate in the 5th Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition (ADEX) at the invitation of the Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov. Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Defense welcomed the Italian delegation at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Director General Agil Gurbanov, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defense. During the visit, the Italian delegation held discussions on expanding Azerbaijani-Italian military cooperation and other related topics.

On the same day, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov met with Guido Crosetto at the ADEX event. They discussed the current state of military and military-technical cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy and the possibilities for further expansion.

On September 25, Major General Pavel Muraveiko, Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff and First Deputy Defense Minister of Belarus, arrived in Baku to attend ADEX. Discussions were planned to focus on the state and future prospects of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Belarus. 

Colonel General Zakir Hasanov also met with the Assistant Minister of Defense of Serbia for Material Resources, Nenad Miloradovic, to inspect weapons and equipment showcased by Serbia’s state company, Yugoimport SDPR. The meeting highlighted the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia and explored further military cooperation opportunities.

Later that day, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov met with Major General Pavel Muraveiko again, emphasizing the need to develop Azerbaijani-Belarusian military cooperation and discussing regional security. He also met Dmitry Pantus, Belarus's Minister of State Authority for Military Industry.

Additionally, on September 25, Zakir Hasanov met with Lieutenant General Yusuf Jamal, the Director General of Pakistan's Strategic Plans Division (SPD). The meeting emphasized the significance of military-technical cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan based on their friendly and fraternal relations. Further discussions were held on expanding military collaboration.

In another meeting on September 25, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov met with Abdullah Al-Khater, CEO of Qatar's defense and security company Barzan Holdings, to explore new military cooperation opportunities between Azerbaijan and Qatar.

The Azerbaijani Defense Minister also met with Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Somalia's Minister of Defense, at ADEX, where they exchanged views on bilateral military relations and other issues of mutual interest.

In a meeting with Dmitry Shugaev, Director of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov discussed the role of military-technical cooperation in maintaining regional peace and security. Following the meeting, both Azerbaijani and Russian delegations toured the exhibition, receiving information about various weapons, equipment, and aerial vehicles showcased by Russian military-industrial companies.

On September 26, the last day of ADEX, Zakir Hasanov met with the leadership of China Precision Machinery Import & Export Corporation (CPMIEC) to discuss joint military-technical cooperation and other shared interests.

Border breach reports

On September 26, at approximately 16:10 [local time], the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that Armenian armed forces opened fire using large-caliber machine guns on Azerbaijani Army positions stationed near the Lakatagh settlement in the Julfa region of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Azerbaijani Army units responded with retaliatory measures.

On September 28, at around 23:20, Armenian armed forces from positions near the Almali settlement in the Keshishkand region fired small arms at Azerbaijani Army positions located near the Yukhari Buzgov settlement in the Babak region of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Azerbaijani Army units again took appropriate retaliatory measures.

Azerbaijan Receives JF-17C Multirole Fighter Jets from Pakistan

On September 25, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev was presented with JF-17C (Block-III) multirole fighter jets at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. These advanced, lightweight, all-weather aircraft, capable of operating day and night, were developed through a joint venture between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra, and Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation of China. The jets have already been integrated into the arsenal of Azerbaijan's Air Force.

The Defense Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, reported to Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. Air Vice Marshal Hakim Raza, Azerbaijan's Defense Minister and Chairman of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Board, provided details about the aircraft's tactical and technical specifications, operational guidelines, and key performance indicators.

The JF-17C (Block-III) is a single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft known for its air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. It is highly maneuverable at medium and low altitudes and is notable for its effective firepower.

Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan Partners with “Azersilah” in Joint Activities Agreement

On September 26, during the ADEX-2024 and Securex Caspian exhibitions, a Memorandum of Understanding on joint activities and mutual cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the “Azersilah” Defence Industry Holding Closed Joint-Stock Company, which is subordinate to the Ministry of Defense Industry. 

The Memorandum focuses on fostering cooperation between the institutions within their respective authorities and areas of activity. It aims to establish and develop mutually beneficial, long-term, and effective relations while organizing coordinated activities.

Georgia

ETERNITY 2024 Training Exercise Successfully Concludes in Georgia

On September 24, the Georgian Defense Ministry reported the official opening ceremony of the Multinational Command and Staff Training - ETERNITY 2024, held at the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center's training ground. Military personnel from Georgia, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan, along with representatives from the Department of Strategic Pipeline Protection of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Georgian Railways, participated in the training's headquarters and field components. 

Brigadier General Irakli Chichinadze, Deputy Commander of the Defense Forces, addressed the participants and wished them success. The training focused on defending strategically important facilities and economic projects in the region, aiming to improve inter-agency coordination, emergency communication, risk management, and interoperability in a multinational environment.

On September 28, the multinational command and staff training concluded. A demonstration exercise at the Vaziani shooting range showcased engineering demining, enemy engagement, medical evacuation, and other tasks performed by Georgian, Azerbaijani, and Turkish military personnel. The rapid response unit of the Department of Strategic Pipeline Protection also participated in the exercises.

After the demonstration, attendees visited the Krtsanis Center for Simulation, Communication, and Information Systems, where they learned about the headquarters component and received a summary briefing. At the final event, Deputy Minister of Defense of Georgia Paata Patiashvili, Brigadier General Irakli Chichinadze, and the Ambassador of Türkiye to Georgia, Ali Kaan Orbai, addressed the participants, congratulating them on the successful completion of ETERNITY 2024. The exercise, organized by the Eastern Command of the Defense Forces, was based on peacekeeping operations, emphasizing the security of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline during crises and enhancing interoperability among the Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Georgian military units.