POLITICS
Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense holds board meeting reviewing outcomes of 2025

On February 14, 2026, the Ministry of Defense held a board meeting reviewing the outcomes of 2025 under the leadership of Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Ministry told AZERTAC.

The meeting, held via video teleconference with the participation of deputy ministers, commanders of the types of troops (forces), the Combined Arms Army Commander, the Rector of the National Defense University, chiefs of main departments and departments, commanders of army corps and formations, as well as representatives of relevant state bodies, analyzed the results of activities carried out over the past year and discussed the tasks set for 2026.

The meeting commenced with a tribute to the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland.

The Minister of Defense highlighted successful reforms in army building in 2025 under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and conveyed to the participants the tasks set by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He emphasized the significant role of the country’s defense potential in the steady rise of Azerbaijan’s international prestige and in transforming the region into a center of global significance.

Colonel General Zakir Hasanov noted that the exemplary discipline, military capability, and technical readiness demonstrated during the military parade dedicated to the 5th anniversary of the Victory in the Patriotic War, held jointly by the Armed Forces and other structures on November 8, Victory Day, were highly appreciated by the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief. The Minister stated that, in accordance with the directives of the President, measures aimed at organizing the armed defense of the country’s territorial integrity, ensuring reliable military security, enhancing the operational capabilities and combat readiness of the troops, and incorporating modern weapon systems into the armament of the Azerbaijan Army have been implemented consistently and successfully.

Chairing the board meeting, Zakir Hasanov highlighted the support of the National Security Council, the State Security Service, and the Military Prosecutor’s Office in preventing unlawful actions and combating corruption in the service-combat activities of the Azerbaijan Army in 2025, as well as in organizing counterintelligence operations, noting that joint efforts in these areas will continue.

Subsequently, a detailed analysis of the service-combat activities conducted by the Azerbaijan Army in 2025 was presented. It was noted that, as in previous years, reforms in army development under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief were decisively continued in 2025. Speakers reported that during the past year, military personnel of the Azerbaijan Army participated in 15 bilateral and multilateral international exercises. It was emphasized that conducting various military exercises and intensive combat training sessions further enhanced troop combat readiness and the professional level of personnel.

It was noted that particular attention was paid to mobilization readiness in 2025, and significant steps were taken to improve the quality of mobilization reserves. Over 19,000 military personnel of various specialties called up for training in 2025 received advanced instruction, were trained in the use of newly adopted weapons and equipment, and participated in practical exercises. These measures will continue in 2026.

Work carried out in the liberated territories, including engineering and fortification activities, construction of new roads, and the establishment of military infrastructure, was brought to the attention of the board members. It was reported that in 2025, engineering and fortification units and state institutions constructed up to 79 km of new roads, cleared up to 67 km of roads from snow, and restored more than 571 km of existing roads.

Special attention was given to preserving and strengthening personnel health, increasing the efficiency of practical exercises, and further reinforcing discipline. It was reported that the Azerbaijan Army ensured that troops were fully supplied with all types of material and technical resources in accordance with established standards, that personnel received quality nutrition, and that weapons, armored vehicles, and automotive equipment were maintained in constant combat readiness. Military units were continuously provided with weapons, ammunition, and other military equipment.

Efforts to improve the socio-living conditions of personnel were highlighted, including the provision of food, supplies, fuel, and firewood to units located in high-mountain areas, the full provision of warm clothing to military personnel, and the achievement of material and technical support objectives during the past year.

Detailed information was provided on innovations in the military education system. New courses were established to modernize military academic education, and new specialties were introduced to ensure alignment between higher education programs and military accounting specialties. It was emphasized that the participation of Azerbaijan Army representatives in various academic and strategic courses both domestically and abroad positively impacted professional development.

It was noted that in 2025, several innovations were introduced in personnel recruitment, and corresponding structural changes were implemented in the Azerbaijan Army to optimize staffing. During the board meeting, officials shared their views and proposals regarding the results of 2025 and future plans.

In his concluding remarks, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov stated that the service-combat activities and achievements of the Azerbaijan Army in the past year had been highly appreciated by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. He stressed the importance of international cooperation and joint exercises in military, military-technical, and military education fields for ensuring sustainable peace and security in the region.

The Minister discussed planned activities for 2026, emphasizing the importance of enhancing personnel professionalism, further increasing troop combat readiness, intensifying training and field exercises, mastering and efficiently using newly adopted weapons and equipment, and applying innovative technologies.

Appropriate instructions were issued to ensure heightened vigilance in combat duty and troop service. The necessity of strict compliance with fire safety and other safety regulations during daily service activities, as well as enhanced protection against seasonal respiratory infections during the winter period, was emphasized. The Minister instructed responsible officials to exercise strict control over the provision of Azerbaijan Army units during winter, maintain constant supervision over all types of reserves in military units, further improve service and socio-living conditions of personnel, and pay attention to psychological and medical support.

In line with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan declaring 2026 the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture,” relevant measures were brought to the attention of the board members. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister of Defense congratulated personnel on the occasion of February 14 – Air Force Day – and expressed confidence that the Azerbaijan Army would continue to justify the trust of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and the nation.