Military Power of Azerbaijan in 2025: A Balance of Regional Influence and Strategic Challenges

Azerbaijan began humanitarian demining activities in 1998, but after the 44-day war in 2020, which resulted in the liberation of a large portion of Karabakh from Armenian occupation, the country faced an even greater humanitarian challenge. Consequently, on January 15, 2021, a presidential decree established the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) [1]. The agency was formed on the basis of two previously existing entities—the Agency for the Restoration and Reconstruction of the Liberated Territories and the National Agency for Mine Action.

The downing of an Azerbaijani passenger plane over Grozny on December 26, 2024, has drawn significant attention, raising serious concerns about Russia's crisis management.

The reconstruction and redevelopment of territories liberated from occupation are being carried out primarily with funds from the state budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with minor exceptions. Foreign investments so far include Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan constructing a school and a creativity center in the Fuzuli region, Kyrgyzstan building a school in the Aghdam region, and Russia continuing the construction of a kindergarten in the Gubadli region.

On December 13, during discussions in the Milli Majlis (Parliament) on proposed amendments to the law "On Military Duty and Military Service," Azər Babayev, head of the Call to Active Military Service Department at the State Service for Mobilization and Conscription, stated that the reduction of military service duration was being discussed.