Armenia

Armenia and Greece Strengthen Military Ties Through Joint Winter Training and High-Level Defense Talks

On February 25, the Armenian Ministry of Defense reported that cadets from the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy participated in a winter training exercise organized by Greece’s Evelpidon Military School (SSE) from February 10–14. Alongside cadets from Greece, Bulgaria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia, the Armenian cadets engaged in intensive training, including small-scale tactical drills, rapid-response combat fire readiness, fire preparation with individual and large-scale weapons, and winter survival skills. These multinational exercises aim to enhance cadet capabilities, strengthen defense cooperation, and prepare future officers for operational challenges.

On February 27, Lieutenant General Edward Asryan, First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, arrived in Greece for an official visit at the invitation of General Dimitrios Choupis, Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff. The visit began with an official welcoming ceremony, including a guard of honor, a military orchestra, and the national anthems of both countries. Following private discussions between the Chiefs of the General Staff, an expanded-format meeting was held to review past cooperation, outline further steps for defense collaboration, and discuss regional security matters.

Later that day, Lieutenant General Asryan met with Greek Minister of National Defense Nikolaos Dendias. The discussions focused on ongoing reforms within the Armenian Armed Forces, with Asryan providing an overview of the progress made. Minister Dendias reaffirmed Greece’s readiness to support these reforms and expressed commitment to enhancing bilateral military cooperation.

On March 1, a delegation from the Armenian Armed Forces Headquarters, led by Major General Arthur Yeroyan, visited Greece’s National Defense Headquarters. Discussions centered on further strengthening cooperation, with both sides agreeing to exchange experiences in several key areas of mutual interest.

On March 2, Lieutenant General Asryan visited the Greek Armed Forces Military Academy, where he met with Major General Anastasios Polychronos, the head of the academy. The delegation toured the campus, learned about training programs and educational resources, and met with Armenian cadets studying at the Greek Armed Forces Land Academy.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani Defense Minister Reviews 2024 Military Performance and Outlines Key Tasks for 2025

On February 24, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense reported that a Board Session reviewing the results of 2024 was held under the leadership of Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov. The session, conducted via video teleconference, was attended by Deputy Defense Ministers, troop commanders, the Rector of the National Defense University, Chiefs of Main Departments, and Commanders of army corps and formations.

Minister Hasanov highlighted the military reforms carried out under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership and emphasized Azerbaijan’s growing defense power. He noted that the Azerbaijani Army participated in 20 bilateral and multilateral exercises throughout 2024, significantly enhancing combat capabilities and professionalism.

Discussions covered various aspects of military preparedness, including mobilization training for over 10,000 reservists, the construction of new roads and military infrastructure in liberated territories, improvements in healthcare for military personnel, and advancements in military education. Colonel General Hasanov praised the Azerbaijani Army’s achievements and reiterated the importance of international military cooperation. Looking ahead to 2025, he emphasized the need for continued combat readiness, enhanced discipline, and improved living conditions for military personnel.

Pakistan Navy Delegation Visits Azerbaijan Naval Forces

On February 24, a delegation led by Commodore Ehsan Ahmed Khan, Deputy Commandant of the Pakistan Navy War College, visited the Azerbaijan Naval Forces. The delegation was received by First Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces, 1st Grade Captain Teymur Murshudov, who highlighted the strong cooperation between the Pakistan Navy and Azerbaijan’s naval forces.

During the visit, the sides exchanged views on military cooperation. Commodore Khan signed the Book of Honor, after which the guests received a briefing on the Azerbaijan Naval Forces’ activities.

Azerbaijan and Serbia Discuss Military Cooperation

On February 27, an expert meeting on "The 44-Day Patriotic War and Local Anti-Terror Operations" was held as part of the Azerbaijan-Serbia defense cooperation plan for 2025. Serbian military representatives were briefed on Azerbaijan’s military reforms following the 44-day war, defense strategies, and counterterrorism measures.

As part of their visit, the Serbian delegation toured the Azerbaijan Air Force’s Central Command Post, where they were briefed on its history, operational objectives, and modernized command-and-control systems.

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló Visits Azerbaijani Military Unit

On February 27, Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, accompanied by Azerbaijani Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov and Defense Industry Minister Vugar Mustafayev, visited an Azerbaijani commando military unit.

The delegation observed a presentation of new simulation training tools and visited key facilities, including an indoor shooting range, soldier dormitories, and an armory. They also attended an exhibition showcasing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), weapons, and military equipment produced by the Azerbaijani defense industry and international manufacturers.

Azerbaijani Marines Conduct Winter Combat Exercise

On February 28, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense reported that an exercise titled "Conducting Battle in Snowdrifts and Severe Cold" was held with the Azerbaijan Naval Forces’ Marine Units.

According to the scenario, marines were tasked with neutralizing an enemy sabotage group in a snow-covered wooded area. Intelligence data was used to locate enemy positions, and the mission was successfully completed with high professionalism. The exercise aimed to improve military personnel’s ability to operate in challenging terrain and harsh climates.

Azerbaijan and Türkiye Hold 15th Staff Talks to Strengthen Air Force Cooperation

On March 1, representatives of the Azerbaijani and Turkish Air Forces held the 15th round of Staff Talks as part of their bilateral military cooperation program.

Led by Lieutenant General Hüseyin Duman, Chief of the Logistics Department of the Turkish Air Force Headquarters, the Turkish delegation visited the Alley of Martyrs and the Turkish Martyrs' Cemetery in Baku to honor fallen soldiers.

Meetings focused on deepening military cooperation, joint training, and technical collaboration. The delegation also visited Azerbaijan’s Aviation Repair Plant and the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev to discuss further cooperation in military education.

Georgia

Georgian Defense Minister Leads Meeting on Emergency Challenges

On February 26, the Georgian Ministry of Defense reported that Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani chaired a meeting with senior military officials and government representatives to assess emergency response efforts.

Discussions covered the challenges faced by various municipalities due to heavy snowfall, with a focus on road clearance, food and medicine distribution, and electricity restoration. Defense forces were working alongside emergency response units to mitigate the impact of the severe weather.

The meeting also identified priority areas where over two meters of snow had accumulated, requiring continuous road-clearing operations.