Azerbaijan marks Air Force Day Photo

Today, February 14, marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Air Force, a separate branch of the country’s Armed Forces that plays a vital role in safeguarding national airspace.

Although its historical roots trace back to 1919, the modern Air Force was formally established on February 14, 1992, as an independent unit of the National Army. Since then, the date has been celebrated annually as Air Force Day, Caliber.Az writes per Azertag. 

Following the 1994 ceasefire agreement, the Air Force and Air Defence Forces became central to the military reforms launched in Azerbaijan. In 1997, the Higher Military Aviation School of Azerbaijan began training the country’s first national military pilots.

The first military pilot of Azerbaijan was Farrukh Agha Hayibov, who took part in air operations against German troops during World War I and was killed in action in what is now Belarus.

The Air Force and Air Defence Forces today are equipped with modern aircraft and helicopters and are fully capable of protecting Azerbaijan’s airspace. In recent years, a significant share of the national defence budget has been directed toward restoring and developing these branches, including modernisation of the aircraft fleet.

Under the Individual Partnership Action Plan signed between Azerbaijan and NATO, the military airfield in the village of G.Z. Tagiyev has been modernised. Military airfields have also been upgraded with specialised equipment to ensure flight safety, and technical support facilities have been rebuilt and renovated.

The Air Force has played a significant role in key military operations. During the April battles, which marked the beginning of what officials describe as the road to victory, the Air Force carried out successful strikes. Three Mi-24 helicopter pilots — Tabriz Musazada, Abu Bakir Ismayilov, and Urfan Valizada — were killed in action.

Azerbaijani Air Force pilots also played an important role in the Second Karabakh War. During the conflict, the Air Force implemented a special operation plan known as “Karabakh Box,” aimed at neutralising the Armenian armed forces’ air defence system. The plan involved diverting the enemy’s attention by simulating a large-scale air strike. 

Aircraft conducted maneuvers without entering the enemy’s air defence zone, while AN-2 aircraft belonging to the State Border Service were sent into the strike zone without pilots on board.

According to the report, the operation was successfully executed, and in the early days of the war, joint actions by the Air Force and Air Defence Forces disabled approximately 70 per cent of the opposing side’s air defence system. Bayraktar, Harop, and Sky Striker strike drones were used to destroy enemy targets.

Several Azerbaijani pilots were awarded the “Hero of the Patriotic War” medal for their service in the Second Karabakh War, including two who received the award posthumously. Two pilots from the State Border Service were also killed in the early days of the conflict.

On November 8 last year, a military parade marking the fifth anniversary of Victory in the Patriotic War was held at Azadlig Square in Baku. Military equipment and air defence systems were showcased during the event.

The parade featured S-125 TM, BUK-MB, BUK-MB2K, İLDIRIM-8, S-300 FAVORIT, and TOR-2M anti-aircraft missile systems. New additions to the arsenal were also displayed, including the domestically produced VİKİNQ multifunctional mobile combat system, a modernised Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, and the HQ-9 long-range anti-aircraft missile system.

The aerial segment included flyovers by combat aircraft and helicopters, with participation from Azerbaijani and Turkish pilots. The Akıncı unmanned aerial vehicle circled over Azadlig Square at an altitude of 900 to 1,500 meters.

Three Mi-17 combat transport helicopters carrying the national flags of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Pakistan were led by Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Namig Islamzada and Colonel Rashad Nadirov. Another Mi-17 helicopter displayed a portrait of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

The aerial demonstrations continued with formations of Mi-17 helicopters, MFİ-17 and L-39 training aircraft, Il-76 and C-27J transport aircraft, and newly introduced JF-17 multi-role fighters. Five F-16 fighters of the Turkish Air Force also performed aerobatic maneuvers.

The air parade concluded with modernised SU-25 Lachin attack aircraft and a formation of SU-25 jets that painted the sky in the colors of the Azerbaijani national flag.

Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, reforms in army development and pilot training are ongoing. Efforts continue to enhance combat readiness, strengthen the material and technical base of air bases, and improve the social and living conditions of flight and technical personnel.

Officials state that the Air Force remains ready to carry out any order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and that Azerbaijan’s airspace is reliably protected against air and ground threats.

The Air Force integrates aviation units, air defence systems, radar networks, and various support structures. In terms of material and technical capabilities, it is recognised as one of the leading air forces in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijani pilots are also among the top in the Commonwealth of Independent States in terms of flight activity.

Recent reforms and international cooperation have significantly enhanced the combat readiness of the Air Force. Looking ahead, further modernisation plans include expanding domestic production capabilities and incorporating advanced technologies.

The personnel of the Azerbaijani Air Force, who demonstrated professionalism during the 44-day Patriotic War and other operations, remain prepared to execute any combat orders from the victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev.

On the occasion of the 107th anniversary, AZERTAC photojournalists captured images showcasing the capabilities and personnel of the Azerbaijani Air Force.

By Sabina Mammadli