Azerbaijan’s defence chief reviews 2024 milestones, plans bold future for 2025

Under the leadership of Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defenсe, a Board Session was held to review the results of 2024 at the Ministry of Defenсe.

The ministry told Caliber.Az that the meeting took place via video teleconference with the participation of the Deputy Defence Ministers, Commanders of different branches of the military, the Commander of the Combined Arms Army, the Rector of the National Defence University, Chiefs of Main Departments and Divisions, as well as Commanders of army corps and formations. 

The session aimed to assess the accomplishments of the previous year and set goals for 2025.

The meeting began with a moment of silence in remembrance of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, as well as the Shehids (martyrs) who sacrificed their lives for the independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

The Defence Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, addressed the participants, acknowledging the reforms that had been successfully implemented in the development of the Azerbaijani Army in 2024 under the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.

He emphasized the importance of these reforms in reinforcing Azerbaijan's defence capabilities and increasing the country's international stature, positioning Azerbaijan as a powerful force in the region. The Minister also highlighted the plans for the further development of the armed forces in 2025.

Colonel General Hasanov reiterated the ongoing efforts to enhance the military security and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. He pointed out that, as per the directives of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, significant measures were being taken to strengthen the Azerbaijan Army's combat readiness by modernizing its weapons systems and adopting advanced technology.

The meeting continued with a review of the current operational situation along the Azerbaijani-Armenian conditional border, as well as an evaluation of the Army’s service-combat activities throughout 2024. It was noted that, just like in previous years, 2024 saw a steady continuation of reforms aimed at strengthening the military forces.

The speakers at the meeting shared that Azerbaijani military personnel participated in 20 bilateral and multilateral exercises throughout the year, contributing to a noticeable improvement in combat readiness and the professionalism of the forces. These exercises included diverse types of military training and intensive combat drills. The year also saw an increase in focus on mobilization training, with more than 10,000 reservists from various specializations receiving training to improve their skills and familiarize themselves with modern weapons and equipment. It was emphasized that these efforts would continue into 2025.

Another point of focus during the meeting was the ongoing engineering activities in the liberated territories. The construction of new roads and the development of military infrastructure were discussed, with particular emphasis on ensuring the health of military personnel and improving practical training intensity and discipline.

The Azerbaijan Army’s logistics were also reviewed, with special attention given to ensuring the prompt and adequate provision of all necessary supplies to the troops. The army managed to maintain consistent combat readiness, with an emphasis on high-quality nutrition for the personnel and the upkeep of weapons, vehicles, and other military equipment. Additionally, it was reported that the social-living conditions of the military personnel were improved, with provisions such as food, clothing, fuel, and firewood at combat positions in mountainous areas meeting the required norms.

Innovations in the military education system were another topic of discussion. The meeting highlighted the establishment of new military colleges, the introduction of new officer training courses, and the alignment of military specialities with higher education programs to modernize the educational framework. Several structural changes have also been made to optimize personnel staffing, including the establishment of intellectual capabilities units.

The meeting allowed for the exchange of opinions and proposals from various officials regarding the outcomes of 2024 and the plans for the upcoming year. Colonel General Hasanov concluded the session by sharing that the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, had praised the service-combat activities and successes of the Azerbaijan Army in 2024. He emphasized that international cooperation in military, military-technical, and military-educational fields, as well as joint exercises, played a significant role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Minister of Defence stressed the importance of continued efforts to enhance personnel professionalism and combat training, including the effectiveness of exercises and field training sessions. He issued instructions for organizing combat duties along the conditional state border, adhering strictly to safety protocols, increasing vigilance, and maintaining continuous monitoring of the opposing side's activities.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of adhering to fire and safety rules in daily operations and protecting the personnel from seasonal respiratory viral infections during the winter. He gave further directives to ensure the provision of supplies for military units, with a focus on winterization, as well as the improvement of living conditions, medical care, and overall service quality for military personnel.

Colonel General Hasanov concluded the meeting by relaying the President’s Order declaring 2025 as the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty" in Azerbaijan, urging all personnel to pay special attention to combat training, professionalism, and fulfilling their duties with high standards.

In closing, the Minister of Defence expressed confidence that the Azerbaijan Army would continue to uphold the trust placed in it by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and the people of Azerbaijan.

By Tamilla Hasanova