Azerbaijan, KIA corporation explore strategic defence industry cooperation

Azerbaijan is expanding its defence industry partnerships as part of a broader strategy to modernize its military-industrial complex, with South Korea emerging as a key partner.

On September 12, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defence Industry, Vugar Mustafayev, hosted high-level talks with a delegation from KIA Corporation, led by Executive Vice President Kim Ik-tae, who also heads the company’s Special Vehicles Division. The meeting was also attended by senior officials from Azerbaijan’s İmprotex Group of Companies, Caliber.Az reports.

According to the Ministry of Defence Industry, the discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the defence manufacturing sector, building on the existing ties between Azerbaijan and South Korea. The two countries have developed a robust relationship across multiple domains, and defence industry collaboration is now being positioned as a new frontier for strategic engagement.

During the meeting, the South Korean delegation was briefed on Azerbaijan’s ongoing reforms in the defence industry, including efforts to expand national production capacity, integrate advanced technologies, and increase domestic manufacturing capabilities.

The parties reviewed potential joint projects, particularly in the field of specialized military vehicles and related technologies. The Azerbaijani side expressed interest in leveraging KIA’s technical expertise and innovation to support the country's defence modernization agenda.

Both sides agreed to continue dialogue and explore specific cooperation frameworks that would allow for technology transfer, joint production, and knowledge exchange. The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding of the need to strengthen defence ties in the face of evolving regional and global security challenges.

This engagement marks a significant step in Azerbaijan’s drive to diversify its defence partnerships and attract international investment and expertise into its growing military-industrial sector.

By Vafa Guliyeva