Russian expert: Azerbaijan's victory in Karabakh war showcases superior military strategy

Director General of the Caspian Institute for Strategic Studies in Moscow Igor Korotchenko has said that Azerbaijan possesses one of the most formidable armies globally.

Korotchenko made these remarks at an event on the occasion of June 26 - the Day of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports citing the local media.

“Azerbaijan possesses one of the world's most impressive armies, not only within the former Soviet sphere but globally,” the expert said.

He highlighted the decisive outcome of the 44-day second Karabakh war, where Armenia suffered a significant defeat.

Korotchenko also pointed out that Azerbaijan's special forces are respected internationally, attributing this to their advanced capabilities in using reconnaissance and attack drones.

He praised Azerbaijan's modern warfare tactics demonstrated during operations like the liberation of Shusha, noting the audacity, skill, and the consequential military and political outcomes achieved.

Additionally, Korotchenko acknowledged the Azerbaijani army's exceptional level of professional training.

He highlighted the expertise of Azerbaijani military officers and senior command staff, underscoring President Ilham Aliyev's pivotal military leadership during the second Karabakh war.

The expert said that their collective efforts and the bravery of the Azerbaijani army were crucial in securing victory and returning territories occupied by Armenians, ensuring Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Korotchenko noted the strong allied relations between the Russian Federation and Azerbaijan.

"I extend congratulations to the personnel of Azerbaijan's Armed Forces on their professional holiday. Russia and Azerbaijan share strong ties of allied cooperation. It's worth noting that Azerbaijan has acquired Russian weaponry exceeding $5 billion, which contributed significantly to its victory in the second Karabakh war. Currently, our countries maintain stable and close relations between our leaders. We aspire for the ongoing development of military and military-technical cooperation between Moscow and Baku, aimed at fostering peace, security, and stability in the South Caucasus region," he added.

Azerbaijan commemorated the 106th anniversary of its Armed Forces on June 26. Established by the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on June 26, 1918, the first regular military unit, known as a separate Azerbaijani corps, marked a significant milestone. The national army, in collaboration with the Caucasian Islamic Army under Nuru Pasha's leadership, achieved its initial military success on September 15 by liberating Baku and its surrounding regions from Armenian Bolshevik occupation.

Following the occupation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the Bolshevik government disbanded the National Army in April 1920. On May 22, 1998, Azerbaijani national leader Heydar Aliyev declared June 26 as Armed Forces Day. A crowning achievement for the Azerbaijani army during this period was its decisive victory in the 44-day second Karabakh war.