Defence as foundation of Azerbaijan’s development Keep the powder dry

President Ilham Aliyev’s recent high-profile visits to regions across Azerbaijan, including territories recently liberated from occupation, showcased the extraordinary creative potential of the Azerbaijani people. These visits also highlighted a vital message: lasting progress is driven by constructive development, not by mass killings of civilians or barbaric destruction. Through his actions, the President emphasises Azerbaijan’s commitment to peace and a genuine desire to improve life not only at home but in the wider region.

The visits further demonstrate President Aliyev’s efficiency, decisiveness, and speed in implementing solutions. Across the Aghdara district, we see concrete examples: restoration of transformers, installation of new electricity lines, expansion of gas and communication networks, cleaning of reservoirs, placement of drinking water tanks for residents, major rural road repairs, and the creation of public parks in villages such as Childiran, Heyvali, and Chapar.

In Gozlukorpu village, the President attended the inauguration of a hydroelectric power station, while in Janyatag village, the Damirli mining and processing complex was reported to have begun operations—further demonstrating the tangible impact of Azerbaijan’s development initiatives.

Of particular note is President Aliyev’s participation in the reopening of the Tartar Electromechanical Plant following its reconstruction—a facility with a remarkable history. Originally established during the tenure of National Leader Heydar Aliyev as First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan, the plant began as a branch of the Lianozovo Electromechanical Plant. It became known for producing critical electrical engineering and special-purpose equipment.

During that period, Heydar Aliyev initiated major developments in Azerbaijan’s military-industrial sector. Specifically, a five-year plan for 1975–1980 was adopted to develop heavy engineering and the defence industry in the republic. Overall, between 1970 and 1982, dozens of scientific and industrial enterprises for defence purposes were established in Azerbaijan, including the Tartar Electromechanical Plant, whose foundation in 1978 was personally laid by Heydar Aliyev.

After Heydar Aliyev was elected President of Azerbaijan in 1993 and began gradually strengthening the statehood of the independent republic, one of his first priorities was the development and reinforcement of the defence sector. Progress in this area was rapid, and in 2003 a state programme for the development of Azerbaijan’s defence-industrial complex was approved, running through 2005. Its main goal was to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers in the military sphere while simultaneously equipping the Azerbaijani army with modern domestically produced equipment.

In 2005, following President Ilham Aliyev’s directive to establish the Ministry of Defence Industry, the Tartar Electromechanical Plant was transferred under the authority of the new ministry.

This once again demonstrates the continuity of political leadership in Azerbaijan, carried out across multiple sectors.

Regarding the prospects of the Tartar Electromechanical Plant, it has been specified that the enterprise will produce various types of military equipment. Modern, high-precision technological equipment has been installed, purchased from a number of leading countries. The design of production lines, organisation of manufacturing flows, and adaptation for serial production have all been carried out by local specialists.

This aligns directly with what President Ilham Aliyev stated just over a week ago in an interview with local media. He noted that investments of 1 billion manats in 2024–2025 are planned for the creation of new production units and the expansion of existing ones focused on military equipment. One of the innovations announced by the President is the establishment of joint ventures in Azerbaijan in partnership with leading global defence companies.

In this context, alongside the creation of a major industrial sector, the development of a modern workforce was identified as a key priority. As demonstrated at the Tartar Electromechanical Plant, this approach is being rigorously followed, proving that President Aliyev’s words are consistently backed by action— and executed at remarkable speed.

In the same interview, the President, highlighting the fact that many states and global institutions often fail to uphold international law, emphasised the need for Azerbaijan to remain vigilant and strong to defend its land at any moment. He expressed confidence that not a single inch of Azerbaijani territory would ever again fall under another’s control, noting that the country possesses the strength, will, and unity of its people, as well as a strong functioning state.

On January 13, during a meeting with residents of the villages of Ashagi-Oratagh, Childiran, Heyvali, and Chapar in the Aghdara district, President Ilham Aliyev elaborated on this theme, stressing that Azerbaijanis have returned to their ancestral lands, where they will live with pride, happiness, and peace. He once again expressed confidence that war will no longer occur and reaffirmed that Azerbaijan is a strong state.

In this context, the reopening of the Tartar Electromechanical Plant following reconstruction carries symbolic significance. It underscores that the constructive development of the Azerbaijani people must be supported and secured through the strengthening of the country’s defense and security. At this historical stage—when, with few exceptions such as Azerbaijan and a handful of allied nations, international law is being widely ignored—strong defense capabilities are an essential pillar of Azerbaijan’s path to lasting peace.