Day of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan: Historical Development Path and Strategic Perspectives

Every year on June 26, Azerbaijan celebrates the Day of the Armed Forces. The foundation of this date was laid in 1918. That year, during the period of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, a national army was established. Thus, this holiday reflects the military traditions of the country. It also demonstrates the continuity of Azerbaijan’s statehood history. Since 1998, June 26 has been officially declared the Day of the Armed Forces.

For every independent state, the army carries great importance. It is one of the main guarantors of sovereignty and territorial integrity. In the history of Azerbaijan, the Armed Forces have not only been a defense institution. The army has also become a symbol of national unity and state will. Today, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan are regarded as one of the main pillars of the national security system. Strengthening defense capability is an important part of this policy. Military-strategic planning, the development of the defense industry, and international military cooperation are also its integral components. In 2020, a historic victory was achieved in the Second Karabakh War. This victory demonstrated the professionalism of the Azerbaijani Army to the whole world. It also confirmed the army’s level of readiness and its modern combat capabilities.

Historical Development of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan

On June 26, 1918, the Government of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic adopted an important decision. By this decision, the Separate Azerbaijani Corps was created on the basis of the Muslim Corps. It is precisely this day that is considered the official date of the creation of the modern Azerbaijani army. It forms the historical basis of the Day of the Armed Forces. The decision established the necessity for a national state to have its own regular army.

The Muslim Corps was established at the end of 1917. This happened against the backdrop of the collapse of the Russian Empire. The corps served as the initial base for training national military personnel. In the autumn of 1918, the Ministry of War began its activities. Army building was declared a priority direction of state policy.

General Samad bey Mehmandarov played a major role in the formation of the national army. General Aliagha Shikhlinski also played an exceptional role. Both had risen to high military ranks in the army of the Russian Empire. Mehmandarov served as Minister of War, while Shikhlinski held the position of his deputy. They led the organization of the regular army. The training of officer personnel and the establishment of military discipline were also their responsibilities. Aliagha Shikhlinski was internationally recognized for his theoretical works in the field of artillery.

Within a short period, the army of the Republic was formed. It consisted of infantry, cavalry, and artillery units. The foundations of military schools were laid. The formation of a national officer corps began. However, on April 28, 1920, Soviet Russia occupied Azerbaijan. The occupation was carried out by the Eleventh Red Army. As a result, the Republic collapsed and the national army was abolished. Nevertheless, the twenty-three-month period of the Republic left behind valuable military experience. This experience became a historical legacy for later generations.

During the Soviet period, an independent national army did not exist. Despite this, numerous Azerbaijani officers served in the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union. They demonstrated a high level of military professionalism. During the Second World War, hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijani soldiers fought on the frontlines. A number of Azerbaijani generals and officers were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. This period ensured the continuity of the national military кадров tradition.

During the Soviet era, certain elements of military education infrastructure were formed in Azerbaijan. The military school named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski became an important educational institution. This school strengthened interest in the military profession among the younger generation. The personnel trained there later actively participated in the construction of the independent Azerbaijani army.

The Karabakh conflict began at the end of the 1980s. During that period, Azerbaijan’s independent military potential was practically nonexistent. Military units on the territory of the republic were subordinated to the central Soviet command. Weapons reserves were also under their control. This situation created a serious strategic deficiency in the first years of independence. Therefore, army building was carried out under extremely difficult conditions.

Army Building in the First Years of Independence

Azerbaijan restored its state independence on October 18, 1991. This placed before the country the task of rebuilding a national army. On October 9, 1991, the law on the establishment of the Armed Forces was adopted. The organization of the Ministry of Defense began. This was one of the most priority directions of state-building.

Part of the Soviet military legacy passed to Azerbaijan. This created a certain material base for army building. However, the process was chaotic and incomplete. The division of weapons and equipment of former Soviet military units proceeded with difficulty. At the same time, volunteer battalions were created. They played an important role in the formation of the first defense forces. However, these detachments were not under unified command.

Main Problems of the Early Years

In the first years of independence, army building was accompanied by serious problems. These problems had a systemic character. They affected both the course of military operations and the country’s overall defense capability:

• The absence of unified command and a centralized military management system;
• Acute shortages of modern weapons, military equipment, and ammunition;
• A lack of professional officers and command personnel;
• The negative influence of internal political crises and power struggles on the army;
• The existence of various armed groups not subordinated to the central command;
• Weakness in logistics, supply, and military infrastructure.

These factors became the main reason for failures at the front in 1992–1993. There was no unified state will. Discipline was also insufficient. As a result, military resources were used inefficiently.

State-Building and Institutional Reforms in the Army

From 1993 onward, stability was established in state governance. With this, a new phase of army building began. A centralized unified command system was created. Illegal armed groups were disarmed. Military administration was subordinated to state structures. These steps were decisive in restoring the army’s combat capability.

The centralization of military administration produced important results. It made possible the formation of a unified military doctrine. The discipline system and chain of command were also built on this basis. These reforms created the necessary foundation after the 1994 ceasefire. They became the starting point for the systematic reconstruction of the army. Thus, the transition to a modern army model began.

The First Karabakh War and the Azerbaijani Army

The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict began in 1988. Its cause was Armenia’s territorial claims over Nagorno-Karabakh. Against the backdrop of the collapse of the Soviet Union, the conflict turned into a full-scale armed confrontation. Military operations covered the years from 1991 to 1994. They went through several stages. Gradually, the situation was accompanied by severe consequences for Azerbaijan.

The newly formed Azerbaijani army conducted defensive and counter-offensive operations. However, organizational problems were a serious obstacle. There was no unified command. Internal political instability also reduced the effectiveness of operations. In addition, international arms embargoes had an impact. These embargoes limited Azerbaijan’s ability to acquire weapons. As a result, the situation at the front became even more difficult.

The First Karabakh War resulted in heavy human and military losses. According to official data, approximately 11,557 servicemen were killed. Thousands of soldiers went missing. Some Western and Russian sources estimate the total losses to be even higher. A large amount of military equipment was destroyed or lost.

The most severe consequence of the war was mass forced displacement. Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts were occupied. As a result, nearly one million Azerbaijanis were forced to leave their homeland. This problem remained on the country’s agenda for decades. It was both a military-social and an economic issue. Thus, the liberation of the occupied territories became the main priority of defense policy.

On May 12, 1994, a ceasefire was achieved. It was signed on the basis of the Bishkek Protocol. The ceasefire stopped military operations. However, it did not resolve the conflict. A significant part of Azerbaijani territories remained under occupation. Nevertheless, the ceasefire period created new opportunities. During this time, the army was systematically rebuilt. Military reforms were carried out. Preparations for future military operations began.

Modern Army Building and Military Reforms

After the ceasefire, Azerbaijan turned the modernization of the army into a consistent policy. The growth of oil revenues made this easier. It enabled a significant increase in defense expenditures. Military administration was improved. Professional personnel training was strengthened. The development of special forces also became one of the main directions of modernization.

Special forces were formed. A combat training system in accordance with NATO standards was introduced. These steps significantly improved the army’s qualitative indicators. The results of the reforms became evident during the April battles of 2016. In particular, these results were embodied during the Second Karabakh War in 2020.

Formation of the Defense Industry

The Ministry of Defense Industry was established in December 2005. This became a turning point in the development of local military production. Within a short time, a defense industry complex was formed in the country. This complex produces light weapons and combat ammunition. It also manufactures armored vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Other military products are also produced. This was a strategic step aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on foreign arms imports.

Military Education System

The modern military education system forms the basis of the professional officer corps. Officer training is carried out at the Azerbaijan Higher Military School named after Heydar Aliyev. This institution was later transformed into the Military Institute. Training is also conducted at the Military Academy of the Armed Forces. The National Defense University of the Ministry of Defense plays a central role. It provides higher military education and strategic-level personnel training. International education programs are also important. In particular, educational opportunities in Turkey and NATO countries contribute to the professionalization of the officer corps.

The Second Karabakh War and Military Transformation

Until 2020, Armenia continued its occupation policy. Peace negotiations remained unsuccessful. International mediation proved ineffective in resolving the conflict. This situation placed Azerbaijan before the necessity of restoring its territorial integrity by military means. Diplomatic processes failed to produce results for decades. Attempts aimed at preserving the status quo continued. All of this became the main reason for the conflict’s transition into the military phase.

The counter-offensive operation began on September 27, 2020. It lasted for 44 days. The operations were precisely planned. Modern combat tactics were applied. Special forces operated successfully. Intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities were used effectively. All of this ensured the qualitative superiority of the Azerbaijani army. The concept of multidimensional joint operations became a decisive factor in the course of the war.

The Role of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The Second Karabakh War occupies a special place in world military history. It became one of the first large-scale conflicts in which unmanned aerial vehicles played a decisive role. Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones were used effectively. Israeli-made strike drones were also widely deployed. These drones disabled the enemy’s armored vehicles. They also destroyed artillery and air defense systems. This experience led to the reconsideration of the concept of modern warfare. The influence of drone warfare on regional military doctrines became the focus of international experts.

Military Results

The 44-day war ended with Azerbaijan’s decisive victory. A significant part of the occupied territories was liberated. According to official information, the Azerbaijani army lost 2,906 martyrs in the battles. On November 10, 2020, a trilateral statement was signed. This statement ended the military phase of the conflict. The victory fundamentally changed the regional security balance. It confirmed the combat capability of the Azerbaijani army. The army reached the level of the strongest military force in the region. In September 2023, local anti-terrorist measures were carried out. With this, the country’s sovereignty was fully restored.

Material and Technical Support of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan

The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have a multidimensional structure. They consist of ground forces, air forces, air defense forces, and naval forces. The ground forces are equipped with modern tanks and armored combat vehicles. They also possess rocket-artillery systems. Operational-tactical missile complexes are also among the weapons of the ground forces. The air forces possess combat aircraft and helicopters. They also have an extensive fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles.

The air defense systems are equipped with anti-aircraft missile complexes of various ranges. The naval forces operate in the Caspian Sea. They perform coastal defense and maritime security tasks. The main sources of armament systems are diverse. These include Turkey, Israel, and former post-Soviet countries. Increasingly growing local production is also an important source.

Logistics and Supply System

The combat capability of a modern army is not determined only by armament. A reliable logistics and supply system is also essential. The management of ammunition reserves is an important issue. The development of military infrastructure is also significant. The medical support system and modern communication-command-control systems (C4ISR) are integral parts of operational effectiveness. The experience of the Second Karabakh War confirmed this. It demonstrated the importance of reforms carried out in these areas.

Defense Industry and Local Production

The development of the defense industry consistently increases the share of local production. This serves to reduce external dependence. Technological modernization plays an important role in this process. Joint production projects with foreign partners are also important. In particular, cooperation with Turkey and technology transfer ensure a qualitative leap. At present, Azerbaijan exports its military products to approximately twenty countries.

Financing of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan

During the period of independence, Azerbaijan’s defense expenditures have gone through a significant path of growth. In the early 2000s, the budget was at the level of several hundred million United States dollars. Due to oil revenues, this figure increased many times over. The defense budget reached the scale of billions of dollars. In the 2026 state budget, approximately 8.7 billion manats have been allocated for defense and national security. This amounts to approximately 5.1 billion United States dollars. The figure reflects an increase of approximately 3 percent compared to the previous year. The share of defense and security expenditures in the state budget is approximately 21 percent.

Structure of Defense Expenditures

The structure of the defense budget covers several main directions. First, it includes the material support and salaries of personnel. Second, it includes the procurement of weapons and military equipment. Third, it includes the financing of military infrastructure projects. Investments in the defense industry are also among these directions. In recent years, the share of expenditures directed toward the modernization of military equipment has increased. The funds allocated for the development of the local defense industry have also grown.

Regional Comparison

In the regional context, the comparison of defense expenditures creates an interesting picture. Azerbaijan’s military budget significantly exceeds the indicators of Armenia and Georgia. At the same time, the defense budget of its strategic ally Turkey is very large. It has a unique scale in the region. The table below reflects an approximate comparison of regional defense expenditures.

Table 1. Approximate comparison of regional defense budgets based on open sources. The figures are based on national budget drafts and international assessments.

Legal Basis and Military Legislation

The Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan is the supreme normative document. It defines the defense function of the state. The Constitution also establishes the legal status of the armed forces. It identifies the defense of the country’s territorial integrity as one of the main duties of the state. The defense of sovereignty is also included among these duties. Defending the homeland is defined as the duty of every citizen.

The regulation of the military sphere is based on a broad legislative framework. The foundation of this system consists of the following normative-legal acts:

• The Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Defense”;
• The Law “On the Armed Forces”;
• The Law “On Military Duty and Military Service”;
• The Law “On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization”;
• The normative framework regulating the field of the defense industry.

Military Administration System

The President occupies the central place in the military administration system. He holds supreme powers as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The Ministry of Defense is responsible for the implementation of military policy. It also ensures the daily administration of the army. The General Staff is the central body of military planning and operational management. The system also provides for coordination with other power structures. These include the State Border Service, the Internal Troops, and other relevant institutions.

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International Military Cooperation

Azerbaijan joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Partnership for Peace program in 1994. Cooperation is carried out within the framework of the Individual Partnership Action Plans. It is aimed at bringing the army into compliance with NATO standards. This cooperation also serves defense reforms. Opportunities for joint participation in international operations are also being expanded.

Military-strategic partnership with Turkey is of particular importance. It is the most important direction of Azerbaijan’s defense policy. In 2021, the Shusha Declaration was signed. This document elevated allied relations between the two countries to an institutional level. Cooperation includes joint military exercises. Coordination in the field of military education also exists. Joint projects in the defense industry are being implemented. Turkey’s military-technical support and exchange of experience have played an important role in the modernization of the army.

Azerbaijan has a broad network of bilateral cooperation. There is a strategic partnership with Pakistan. Military-technical cooperation with Israel is developing. This cooperation is especially in the field of modern weapons systems and unmanned aerial vehicles. Defense industry relations have been established with Italy. Regional security coordination is carried out with Georgia. Military relations with the countries of Central Asia are also steadily increasing.

Participation in International Peacekeeping Operations

Azerbaijan has participated in international peacekeeping missions. Through this, it has contributed to global security. Azerbaijani servicemen served in Kosovo. They also participated in international operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This participation ensured the country’s integration as a reliable partner. It also enriched the army’s experience in international operations.

International Rankings and Comparative Analysis

The Azerbaijani army holds stable positions in global military power indexes. Global Firepower conducts evaluations every year. According to its 2026 assessment, Azerbaijan ranks 60th among 145 countries. The PwrIndx indicator is 1.1991. This ranking takes into account more than sixty factors. These include army size, financial resources, and logistical capabilities. Geographic position and the quality of military equipment are also evaluated.

Table 2. Positions of the South Caucasus countries and Turkey in the Global Firepower 2026 ranking.

Comparison in the South Caucasus Context

In the South Caucasus region, Azerbaijan is the clear leader. It leads both in defense expenditures and military potential. In the Global Firepower ranking, Azerbaijan is in 60th place. Armenia is in 91st place, while Georgia is in 94th place. Thus, Azerbaijan significantly surpasses them. This superiority is confirmed by several factors. These include the scale of the defense budget and modern armament. The combat capability demonstrated during the 2020 war also proves this.

Comparison with the Countries of the Turkic World

Among the countries of the Turkic world, Turkey is the absolute leader. It is ahead in terms of military power. In the Global Firepower ranking, Turkey is in the top ten. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have strong armies at the regional level. Azerbaijan’s advantage lies in several aspects. These include real combat experience and modern combat tactics. The rapidly developing defense industry is also an important advantage.

Assessment of Strengths and Weaknesses

The Azerbaijani army has a number of strengths. These include modern combat equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles. Real combat experience is also a significant advantage. Highly motivated personnel and a developing defense industry should be particularly noted. At the same time, some areas still require development. Personnel capacity must be further professionalized. Logistics systems must be improved. External dependence in the production of high-technology weapons must be reduced. Expanding the technological base also remains a priority.

Tasks Facing the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan in the Modern Era

The modern security environment brings new types of challenges. These exist alongside traditional military threats. Hybrid warfare is one of these challenges. Cyber threats and information warfare have also become priority areas. Appropriate capabilities must be developed against these threats. These capabilities must have both institutional and technological characteristics. This is an urgent task of the national security system.

One of the main directions of the transition to a modern army model is professionalization. For this purpose, the contractual professional service system is being expanded. The professional officer corps is being strengthened. The social welfare of servicemen is being improved. Continuous combat readiness is being ensured. All of this serves to improve the qualitative indicators of the army.

Technological transformation is also the central direction of modern army building. Artificial intelligence is being applied in the military sphere. Unmanned aerial vehicles and anti-drone systems are being developed. Space and satellite capabilities are being formed. These factors will determine the army’s future combat capability. The experience of the Second Karabakh War confirmed this. It demonstrated the decisive role of technological superiority in modern wars.

Development of the Defense Industry

The development of the defense industry envisages several tasks. First, the expansion of high-technology production. Second, the increase of export potential. Third, the deepening of international partnerships. Increasing the share of local production strengthens strategic independence. It also creates economic efficiency. At present, Azerbaijan exports military products to nearly twenty countries. Thus, the defense industry is gaining increasing importance at the regional level.

General Concluding Overview

The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have gone through a complex path from 1918 to the present day. At the same time, this path has been consistent. The tradition of the national army was laid during the period of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. As a result of the Soviet occupation, this tradition was interrupted. However, after the restoration of independence, the army was revived. It developed toward a modern and professional army model.

In the first years of independence, the army faced serious problems. There was no unified command. There was also a shortage of weapons and institutional weakness. The transition from this condition to a modern army is a major achievement. The new army is technologically equipped. This transition is one of the most important successes of Azerbaijani state-building. Its decisive stages were accompanied by consistent military reforms. The formation of the defense industry and the increase in defense expenditures were also part of this process.

The First and Second Karabakh Wars determined the directions of army building. The harsh lessons of the First War demonstrated the necessity of reforms. The victory in the Second Karabakh War confirmed the effectiveness of these reforms. It elevated the Azerbaijani army to the level of the strongest military force in the region.

Defense policy is the central component of the national security system. It is the guarantor of the state’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Future development has several strategic priorities. These include technological transformation and the complete professionalization of the army. The orientation of the defense industry toward high-technology production is also important. Resistance capabilities against hybrid and cyber threats must be strengthened. Deepening international military cooperation also remains one of the main directions.

Main Statistical Indicators (1991–2026)

The tables below summarize the main statistical indicators used in the analysis. The indicators are based on open state sources. They are also taken from international military-analytical assessments. Some figures are approximate.

Dynamics of the Defense Budget

The table reflects the approximate dynamics of defense expenditures. Methodologies may differ for different years.

Personnel and Force Structure

The table shows the approximate number of personnel based on open-source assessments.

Human and Technical Results of the Karabakh Wars

The table provides comparative indicators of the two Karabakh wars based on official information.

Defense Industry and International Indicators

The table reflects indicators of the defense industry, international ranking, and cooperation.

Note: Statistical indicators are based on open state sources. They are derived from national budget drafts and assessments of international military-analytical institutions, including Global Firepower. Academic research has also been used as a source. A number of figures are approximate in nature and may vary depending on the source. Military casualty figures refer to official information.