Azerbaijan's Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov leads strategic meeting to boost military readiness

On November 23, the Azerbaijan Ministry of Defence convened an important meeting to discuss the current state and operational readiness of the armed forces. Under the leadership of Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the session brought together key military leaders and officials to address pressing issues, review ongoing reforms, and set future directives for the Azerbaijan Army. The following summary outlines the key points discussed during this crucial gathering, as provided by the Ministry to Caliber.Az.

The meeting took place via video teleconference and included Deputy Ministers, Commanders of various military branches, the Commander of the Combined Arms Army, the Rector of the National Defence University, as well as Chiefs of Main Departments and army corps leaders.

The meeting began with a tribute to the memory of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, and the Martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence and sovereignty.

Participants were informed about the tasks assigned to the Azerbaijan Army by President Ilham Aliyev, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

During the session, the current operational situation and military service organization along the Azerbaijani-Armenian conditional border were evaluated.

The Minister of Defence emphasized the need to enhance the troops' combat capabilities, improve vigilance, and effectively organize combat duties.

He highlighted the significance of intensifying and elevating the quality of exercises, competitions, and training sessions for various military units, including reservists, to boost personnel knowledge and professionalism.

The meeting acknowledged the progress made in army development, successful reforms, and their beneficial outcomes. The importance of analyzing the effective combat use of newly adopted weapons, equipment, and aviation assets was underscored.

Recognizing positive advancements in education, the Minister of Defence provided specific directives to ensure units are staffed with highly knowledgeable and professional personnel.

The meeting also addressed the importance of adhering to military discipline within the Azerbaijan Army and noted the current high standards of discipline.

Regular inspections were mentioned as a means to assess the living conditions of personnel, the dynamics of military relationships, and the attention given by commanding officers to their subordinates, along with adherence to military etiquette; serious actions were taken in response to any identified issues.

It was stressed that winter preparations must be enhanced, especially for units in mountainous regions and harsh climates, ensuring proper storage of food, supplies, fuel, and firewood as per established guidelines. Special attention was also directed toward personnel health and well-being, including measures to guard against seasonal illnesses and to provide adequate warm clothing.

The Minister instructed that efforts to improve the service, social, and living conditions of military personnel continue in line with the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s directives.

In reference to President Ilham Aliyev's statements during the opening of Victory Park and other occasions, the Minister emphasized that the Head of State has provided all necessary resources to maintain the Azerbaijan Army's combat readiness at an optimal level.

The Defence Minister remarked that the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s emphasis on the strength, professionalism, and commitment of the Azerbaijani Army serves to inspire personnel and heighten their sense of responsibility against provocations.

Colonel General Hasanov assigned specific tasks to relevant officers, urging them to focus on troop service organization, combat training, and the individual professionalism of military personnel.

Finally, the Minister instructed the organization of combat duties while ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols during daily operations and maintaining the morale and psychological well-being of military personnel at a high level.

By Tamilla Hasanova