BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. On 14 February
2026, the Ministry of Defense board meeting on outcomes of 2025 was
held under the leadership of the Minister of Defense, Colonel
General Zakir Hasanov, the statement of the ministry says, Trend reports.
The meeting via video teleconference with the participation of
deputy ministers, commanders of the types of troops (forces),
Combined Arms Army Commander, Rector of the National Defense
University, chiefs of main departments and departments, commanders
of army corps and formations, as well as representatives of
relevant state bodies analyzed the results of activities carried
out within the last year and discussed the tasks set for 2026.
The meeting commenced with a tribute to the National Leader of
the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, and Martyrs, who sacrificed
their lives for the Motherland.
The Minister of Defense highlighted successful reforms in army
building in 2025 under the leadership of the President of the
Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and conveyed to the
participants the tasks set by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the
Armed Forces. He emphasized the significant role of the country’s
defense potential in the steady rise of Azerbaijan’s international
prestige and in transforming the region into a global center of
power.
Colonel General Zakir Hasanov proudly noted that the exemplary
discipline, military capability, and technical readiness
demonstrated during the military parade dedicated to the 5-th
anniversary of the Victory in the Patriotic War, held jointly by
the Armed Forces and other structures on 8 November, Victory Day,
were highly appreciated by the Victorious Supreme
Commander-in-Chief. The Minister of Defense stated that, in
accordance with the directives of the President, measures for
organizing armed defense of the country’s territorial integrity,
ensuring reliable military security, enhancing the operational
capabilities and combat readiness of the troops, and incorporating
modern weapon systems into the armament of the Azerbaijan Army have
been implemented consistently and successfully.
Chairing the board meeting, Zakir Hasanov highlighted the
support of the National Security Council, the State Security
Service, and Military Prosecutor’s office in preventing unlawful
actions and combating corruption in the service-combat activities
of the Azerbaijan Army in 2025, as well as in organizing
counterintelligence operations, and noted that joint efforts in
these areas will continue hereinafter.
Subsequently, a detailed analysis of the service-combat
activities conducted by the Azerbaijan Army in 2025 was presented.
It was noted that, as in previous years, the reforms in army
development under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief
were decisively continued in 2025. Speakers at the board meeting
reported that, during the past year, military personnel of the
Azerbaijan Army participated in 15 bilateral and multilateral
international exercises. It was emphasized that conducting various
military exercises and intensive combat training sessions further
enhanced the combat readiness of the troops as well as the
professional level of the personnel.
It was noted that particular attention was paid to mobilization
readiness in 2025, and significant steps were taken to improve the
quality of mobilization reserves. Over 19,000 military personnel of
various specialties called up for training in 2025 received
advanced instruction, were trained in the use of newly adopted
weapons and equipment, and participated in practical exercises.
These measures will continue in 2026.
Work carried out in the liberated territories, including
engineering and fortification activities, construction of new
roads, and establishment of military infrastructure, was brought to
the attention of the board members. It was reported that, in 2025,
engineering and fortification units and state institutions
constructed up to 79 km of new roads, cleared up to 67 km of roads
from snow, and restored more than 571 km of existing roads.
Special attention was given to the preservation and
strengthening of personnel health, increasing the efficiency of
practical exercises, and further strengthening discipline. It was
reported that the Azerbaijan Army ensured that the troops were
fully supplied with all types of material and technical resources
in accordance with established standards, that personnel received
quality nutrition, and that weapons, armored and automotive
equipment were maintained in constant readiness for combat.
Military units were continuously provided with weapons, ammunition,
and other military equipment.
Efforts to improve the socio-living conditions of personnel were
highlighted, including the provision of food, supplies, fuel, and
firewood in units located in high-mountain areas, full provision of
warm clothing to military personnel, and overall achievement of
objectives in material-technical support during the past year.
Detailed information was provided on innovations in the military
educational system. New courses for the personnel were established
to modernize the military academic educational system, and new
specialties were introduced to ensure alignment between higher
educational programs and military accounting specialties. It was
emphasized that participation of Azerbaijan Army representatives in
various academic and strategic courses both domestically and abroad
positively impacted professional personnel advancement.
It was noted that in 2025, several innovations were applied in
personnel recruitment and corresponding structural changes were
implemented in the Azerbaijan Army to optimize staffing. During the
board meeting, officials shared their views and proposals regarding
the results of 2025 and future plans.
In his concluding remarks, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov stated
that the service-combat activities and achievements of the
Azerbaijan Army in the past year had been highly appreciated by the
Supreme Commander-in-Chief. He stressed the importance of
international cooperation and joint exercises in military,
military-technical, and military educational fields for ensuring
sustainable peace and security in the region.
The Minister discussed planned activities for 2026, emphasizing
the importance of enhancing personnel professionalism, further
raising troop combat readiness, increasing the intensity of
training and field exercises, mastering and efficiently using newly
adopted weapons and equipment, and applying innovative
technologies.
Appropriate instructions were issued to ensure heightened
vigilance in combat duty and troop service. The necessity of strict
compliance with fire safety and other safety regulations during
daily service activities, as well as enhanced protection against
seasonal respiratory infections due to cold weather in winter, was
emphasized. The Minister instructed responsible officials to
exercise strict control over the provision of the Azerbaijan Army
Units during winter, maintain constant supervision of all types of
reserves in military units, further improve service and
socio-living conditions of personnel, and pay attention to
psychological and medical support.
In line with the Decree of the President of the Republic of
Azerbaijan declaring 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and
Architecture,” the relevant measures were brought to the attention
of the board members. At the conclusion of the meeting, the
Minister of Defense congratulated the personnel on the occasion of
the 14 February, Air Force Day and expressed confidence that the
Azerbaijan Army would continue to justify the trust of the Supreme
Commander-in-Chief and the nation.
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