Azerbaijan’s growing international reputation and its strengthened political standing in recent years are the outcome of a systematic state policy rooted in strategic vision and a comprehensive security approach. At the heart of these achievements lie two fundamental pillars that operate in close synergy: a far-sighted political leadership grounded in national interests, and a strong, professional army.
The historic victory achieved during the 44-day Patriotic War must be seen not only as a military triumph, but also as a tangible result of Azerbaijan’s diplomatic resolve, its position based on international law, and its strategic balancing policy. The war demonstrated that when a well-equipped, technologically advanced military is combined with political will and leadership backed by national unity, it can not only ensure state sovereignty but also transform the country into a regional power center.
Had the Azerbaijani Armed Forces not been so well-prepared, mobile, and professional, the country’s diplomatic initiatives and political standing would not have been as unshakable. At the same time, without a political course anchored in national interests and international legitimacy, such an effective and victorious military model could not have been established.
Political will and military strength together reinforce Azerbaijan’s role on the regional and global stage
Fuad Abdullayev, a senior advisor at the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), in aninterview with APA noted that the strengthening of Azerbaijan’s regional leadership, its emergence as a proactive actor in the international relations system, and the establishment of a statehood model based on sustainable stability are primarily rooted in a well-organized and powerful army, consistent institutional reforms, and a political leadership guided by strategic vision.
“The restoration of our country’s territorial integrity and the full reestablishment of sovereign authority have further solidified the fact that Azerbaijan has become one of the leading power centers in the region. Azerbaijan is not only reinforcing its national security architecture but also acting as one of the main guiding forces shaping the emerging geopolitical configuration in the South Caucasus. The key pillar behind this reality is a modern, agile, and highly capable national army model, the formation of which is the result of a long-term, comprehensive, and targeted military-political strategy,” he noted.
Referring to the glorious Victory achieved in the 44-day war, Fuad Abdullayev stated that this triumph has entered the military history of the 21st century as a significant event, and prestigious military academies are now studying this experience:
“The unparalleled success of the Azerbaijani Army has laid the groundwork for new regional realities. It has once again been proven that a strong army is not only a guarantor of territorial liberation but also a key institutional pillar of national political will and regional leadership. Today, not only the Azerbaijani public but also international opinion recognizes the professionalism of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and the will and strategic leadership of the Commander-in-Chief. Our Armed Forces are recognized not only in the South Caucasus but also across a broader geopolitical space as an advanced army with high operational capabilities and a modern technological base.
Undoubtedly, this is the result of a long-term development course backed by strong political will. The modernization of the army has not been limited to armament; a structured institutional approach has also supported it.”
The pillar of national strength
The Chief Advisor of the AIR Center noted that the Victory achieved enabled Azerbaijan to rise to a dominant position in the region and become a leading actor in the military-political balance: “Military power has also significantly expanded our country’s diplomatic maneuvering capabilities. Today, the national interests of the Republic of Azerbaijan are defended more firmly and consistently at international platforms such as the UN, the European Union, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Turkic States, and others. Azerbaijan’s leadership in initiatives to involve Armenia in the peace process and to open regional communications is a natural result of military-political synergy. It should be especially noted that the government’s attention and care for the army are not limited to increasing financial and technical resources—this support is also accompanied by concrete measures on ideological, social, and institutional levels. Army building has been declared a strategic priority of state policy, the budget allocated to the defense sector is being consistently increased, and the social protection of military personnel remains a key focus. The ‘YASHAT’ Foundation, established on the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, has become a unique mechanism ensuring the social protection of the families of martyrs and veterans. Deep reforms carried out in the Armed Forces have substantially renewed the army’s structure, command-and-control system, and combat readiness. Operational coordination is provided with modern technologies, and real-time decision-making capabilities have been expanded. Modernization in the military education system, the education of young officers abroad, and the creation of a new generation of military infrastructure are all continuous outcomes of this policy. As a result, the Azerbaijani Army today acts not only as an armed force but also as a strategic pillar of national power, a guarantor of regional stability, and a real executor of the state’s geopolitical will. This army model serves as an example for the region and is simultaneously a symbol of strategic success in leadership, statehood, and national unity.”
Reforms in the Azerbaijani Army: New technology, professional personnel
Military expert and reserve colonel Shair Ramaldanov, commenting to APA on the development dynamics of the Azerbaijani Army in accordance with modern challenges, stated that this progress is explained by reforms carried out with consideration of military-scientific research, global processes, and potential risks.
According to him, the reforms in the army cover all areas: “New equipment and weapons are being procured. The priority is to acquire technologies and weaponry that are suited to the tasks ahead and the conditions of modern warfare. Today, the Azerbaijani Army is constantly improving the combat readiness of its personnel. Exercises and other training activities are organized with high professionalism. These trainings are based on the experience gained in the Patriotic War, and that experience is applied in combat preparation. Extensive scientific research on the Patriotic War is being conducted in Azerbaijani academic institutions, especially in military education centers. Naturally, this research is aimed at enhancing Azerbaijan's development strategy and combat potential based on military-scientific foundations. As is known, the Azerbaijani Army is being developed according to the professional army model. Young people show great interest in military service, and a sufficient number of applications are submitted for the announced vacancies. This process is ongoing within the army, and the Azerbaijani Army continues its development toward a fully professional structure. This showed its results in the Patriotic War as well. First of all, I must note that the modern equipment and devices used in the Azerbaijani Army today must be operated not only by professional personnel but also by military servicemen with high intellectual capacity. It is difficult for conscripted soldiers on active duty to fully master such advanced equipment. For this reason, the Azerbaijani Army, based on the principle of a professional force, is being staffed with personnel capable of operating modern weapons and equipment, who have completed relevant courses and received certification. The professionalism of this personnel is constantly enhanced through regular exercises and drills.”
Regional cooperation
Shair Ramaldanov noted that today the Azerbaijani Army participates in numerous international exercises: “Soon, joint exercises will be held with the participation of special forces from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijani special forces will also take part. These exercises cover almost all types of troops, and Azerbaijani representatives are selected with high professionalism, successfully achieving the set objectives.
A strong and well-structured system has been established in Azerbaijan for the training of professional military personnel. Initially, the Military Lyceum named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski, followed by the Higher Military School, the Military Institute, and research institutions, operate in this direction. At present, an advanced military education system has been formed for the training of high-level professional military personnel. Within this system, the National Defense University includes the Scientific Research Institute, the Management Institute, and other higher military education institutions. Overall, this education system allows Azerbaijan to train highly professional military staff using its internal resources and to ensure the country’s military personnel potential. These educational institutions are equipped with the most modern teaching and training infrastructure that meets current requirements and supports the training of modern personnel. Based on this infrastructure, the trained personnel are prepared for service in modern armies and contribute to the development of future human resources aligned with the principles of a modern army.”
Patriotic spirit and the victory of the Azerbaijani Army
The military expert emphasized that the Victory gained in the Patriotic War under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Ilham Aliyev, is a clear indication of the high level of patriotic spirit within the ranks of the army.
“Even today, the role of the Army in fostering patriotic spirit in Azerbaijan is undeniable. At the same time, when discussing the development of the Azerbaijani Army, it is also essential to mention the social and living conditions of the military personnel. The state provides consistent support to servicemen both during their service and in terms of family welfare. Military families are regularly provided with housing by the state. If direct housing provision is not possible, corresponding financial resources are allocated, allowing them to rent homes with those funds. Almost every year, relevant decrees are signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to increase the salaries of servicemen. On one hand, this contributes to the perception of the military profession as a more prestigious field in society, and on the other, it helps to improve the social well-being of military personnel. When discussing social support, it is also necessary to highlight the medical provision for servicemen. It is well known that the health of military personnel is one of the key factors directly affecting combat readiness. Today, the medical service system established within the Azerbaijani Army and the Armed Forces is staffed by highly professional personnel and equipped with modern medical technologies. This creates broad opportunities to ensure the health and well-being of military personnel,” he added.
A pillar of regional security.
The national army building process, founded by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, has reached its highest stage under the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan and Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. Today, Azerbaijan holds a rightful place in the system of international relations as a country with a strong economic potential, a powerful army, guaranteed security and stability, national unity, and fully restored territorial integrity and sovereignty. Systematic reforms, modern military approaches, and a forward-looking development strategy have made this achievement possible. The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan are currently capable of fulfilling all assigned tasks with high precision and are prepared for any scenario. The Azerbaijani Army is also one of the main pillars of regional security. Today, the Azerbaijani soldier is not only a guarantor of the country's national security, but also a key contributor to lasting peace and stability in the region.
