Azerbaijan & Central Asian nations forge stronger military bonds at Birlestik-2024 drills Strategic drills showcase Azerbaijan's battlefield experience

The Bırlestik-2024, or We’re United -2024, operational-tactical command and staff exercises, underway from July 11 to 17, 2024, in Kazakhstan, marks a significant step in the military cooperation among Central Asian nations, including Azerbaijan. These exercises, involving approximately 4,000 servicemen and 700 units of military equipment, underscore the growing military collaboration within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

Chronological development

In January 2024, Kazakh Defence Minister Ruslan Zhaksylykov announced large-scale military exercises involving Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan as part of Kazakhstan's combat training program for the year. This announcement set the stage for the collaborative efforts later witnessed in the summer.

July 9, 2024: Arrival of Azerbaijani forces

A group of Azerbaijani servicemen, including Army commando units, parachutes, search and rescue services, Su-25 attack jets, and Navy patrol and landing ships, arrived in Kazakhstan on July 9, 2024. This early arrival allowed for adequate preparation and coordination with the forces involved in the drills.

July 11, 2024: Commencement of drills

The military exercises officially began on July 11, 2024, at the Oymasha training range and Cape Tokmak in the Caspian Sea. The exercises involved complex scenarios, such as liberating a seized island and ensuring maritime security, highlighting the multifaceted nature of modern military operations.

July 15, 2024: Air Force drills

Azerbaijani Air Force jets conducted live-fire training flights, demonstrating their capability in air reconnaissance and precision strikes. These exercises showcased the advanced piloting skills and operational readiness of Azerbaijani military pilots.

The joint exercises are slated to end on July 17, 2024, with a focus on checking how combat cohesion was improved, and check management, and professionalism among the participating forces. The drills also include competitions in military sports, tactical orienteering, and shooting, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect among the servicemen.

Azerbaijan's lead role & drill's strategic importance

The military exercises signify a deepening of military ties among OTS members, driven by the need for collective security and regional stability. This collaboration is crucial as nations worldwide strengthen their law-enforcement and military capabilities to counter various threats.

Azerbaijan's leading role in the exercises stems from its recent military successes, notably the second Karabakh war, which demonstrated its operational capabilities and battlefield experience. The Azerbaijani army, ranked 59 globally by Global Fire Power, has become a model for other OTS nations seeking to enhance their military proficiency.

The drills convey a strong message of unity and strength among the OTS members, reinforcing their commitment to mutual support and defense. This unity is essential in a region rich in natural resources, which requires robust protection to ensure sustainable development and security.

Support for the Turan idea, cultural & historical ties

The Turan idea, which envisions closer cooperation among Turkic nations, is underpinned by deep cultural and historical ties. By conducting joint military exercises, the OTS nations reinforce these bonds and project a unified stance to the world. This unity is not merely symbolic; it has practical implications for political, economic, and security cooperation.

The exercises subtly endorse the Turan idea, promoting greater cooperation among Turkic nations. Turkey's support, although indirect, underscores the broader geopolitical aspirations of the Turkic world, aiming for increased solidarity and strategic alignment.

The expanding military cooperation is set to enhance political and economic ties within the OTS. By fostering a secure environment, member states can focus on developing sectors that have yet to be fully explored, furthering their collective prosperity.

The drills contribute to regional stability by ensuring that member states are well-prepared to address security challenges. This preparedness is vital for maintaining territorial integrity and sovereignty in the face of both overt and covert threats.

The joint exercises facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise among the participating nations, improving the professionalism and capabilities of their armed forces. This collaborative approach ensures that all member states benefit from shared experiences and best practices.

Importance of military drills for Central Asian nations

One of the primary goals of the military exercises is to build interoperability among the armed forces of the participating nations. This involves standardizing procedures, improving communication channels, and ensuring that different military units can work seamlessly together in various operational scenarios. Such interoperability is crucial for coordinated responses to regional threats, be they conventional military threats or asymmetric challenges like terrorism and organized crime.

Azerbaijan's recent military experience, particularly from the Second Karabakh War, provides valuable lessons in modern warfare tactics, the use of technology, and strategic planning. By sharing these best practices, Azerbaijan helps elevate the overall capabilities of the OTS member states. This knowledge transfer is not a one-way street; it facilitates mutual learning and helps build a more robust and versatile collective defense posture.

The geopolitical significance of Central Asia, with its abundant natural resources and strategic location, necessitates a strong defense capability. The exercises focus on various aspects of military operations, including naval and air operations, anti-terrorist tactics, and protecting critical infrastructure. These drills ensure that the participating nations are better equipped to safeguard their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Turkey's indirect support for the exercises highlights its strategic interest in fostering stronger ties within the Turkic world. This aligns with Türkiye's broader geopolitical strategy to expand its influence in Central Asia. The exercises send a clear message to both allies and adversaries that the Turkic nations are committed to mutual support and collective security.

Expanding political relations & economic ties

While the immediate focus of the exercises is on military cooperation, the implications extend far beyond. Strengthened military ties pave the way for deeper political and economic relations. By ensuring a stable and secure environment, the OTS nations can pursue joint economic projects, enhance trade, and collaborate on infrastructure development.

The successful execution of these exercises sets a precedent for expanding cooperation into new sectors. This could include areas like cybersecurity, disaster response, and environmental protection. Such comprehensive cooperation would further cement the ties among OTS nations and contribute to their collective resilience.

Conclusion

“We’re united-2024" exercises are more than just a display of military prowess; they are a strategic initiative to bolster regional security, enhance cooperation, and project unity among the OTS member states. By leveraging Azerbaijan's battlefield experience and fostering a spirit of collaboration, these exercises contribute significantly to the stability and prosperity of Central Asia. The continued evolution of military, political, and economic ties within the OTS framework is essential for navigating the complexities of the modern geopolitical landscape.

The military drills represent a pivotal moment in the military cooperation among OTS members. By leveraging Azerbaijan's battlefield experience and fostering unity among Turkic nations, these exercises enhance regional security and stability. The continued collaboration among these nations is crucial for their collective defense and prosperity, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong military ties in an increasingly complex global landscape.

The geopolitical landscape of Central Asia is evolving rapidly, and the exercises are a testament to the proactive measures taken by the OTS nations to adapt to these changes.