Azerbaijan strengthens defence capabilities, outlines 2026 strategic goals

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defence, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, chaired a Ministry of Defence collegium meeting on February 14 to review the results of 2025 and set priorities for 2026.

Hasanov highlighted successful reforms in army development over the past year and conveyed directives from Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev to the Armed Forces, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry.

He underlined that Azerbaijan’s defence capabilities play a key role in strengthening the country’s international standing and its position as a regional power. The discipline, combat readiness, and technical capabilities displayed by the Azerbaijani army during the November 8 military parade were particularly praised by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

The Defence Minister noted that measures continue to be implemented to safeguard Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, ensure military security, enhance operational readiness, and equip the army with modern weapons and technology. He also stressed the ongoing support of the Security Council, the State Security Service, and the Military Prosecutor’s Office in combating corruption, preventing illegal activities within the army, and organising counterintelligence operations. Joint efforts in these areas will continue throughout 2026.

The meeting reviewed service and combat activities from 2025. Azerbaijani troops participated in 15 bilateral and multilateral international exercises last year, boosting combat readiness and professional training. Mobilisation readiness was a key focus, with over 19,000 reservists receiving updated training and skills.

In liberated territories, engineering and fortification work continued, including road construction and military infrastructure development. In total, 79 km of new roads were built, 67 km cleared of snow, and more than 571 km restored with the cooperation of engineering units and other state agencies.

Hasanov also presented developments in military education. New courses and specialities were introduced to modernise military academic training, and personnel participated in strategic and academic programs both domestically and abroad. Innovations were also applied in personnel management and staffing optimisation.

Looking ahead, Hasanov stressed that 2026 priorities include improving professionalism, strengthening combat training, increasing the intensity of exercises and field activities, mastering newly adopted weapons and equipment, and integrating innovative technologies into the Armed Forces.