Azerbaijan Military Forces 🇦🇿

Azerbaijan has, over the last two decades, transformed its military from a post-Soviet entity into a capable regional power. Fueled by significant energy revenues, Baku has pursued a consistent policy of military modernization, culminating in its successful 2020 campaign in Nagorno-Karabakh and the full restoration of its sovereignty over the territory in 2023. This success has cemented the armed forces as a key pillar of national power and a central instrument of state policy. The nation now navigates a complicated geopolitical landscape, balancing its relationships with regional giants Russia and Turkey while managing ties with Iran and engaging with the West.

Military Structure and Capabilities

The Azerbaijani Armed Forces consist of the Land Forces, Air Force, and Navy, supplemented by paramilitary bodies like the State Border Service and the National Guard, which also serve as a reserve. Estimates for active personnel vary, ranging from approximately 60,000 to over 126,000, with a substantial reserve pool of around 300,000 former service personnel. A significant portion of its land forces remains forward-deployed.

The military has been undergoing a deep modernization process, moving beyond its Soviet-era legacy. While much of the foundational inventory is of Russian or Soviet origin, extensive upgrades and procurement from diverse partners have been key. The Land Forces' arsenal has been bolstered with advanced artillery systems, including the recent acquisition of over 70 DITA 155mm self-propelled howitzers from the Czech Republic.

The Air Force has gained a significant edge with the 2024 acquisition of Pakistani JF-17 Block III multi-role fighters, equipped with modern AESA radar and advanced missiles. This complements a fleet of MiG-29 fighters and Su-25 attack aircraft, the latter having been upgraded by Turkish Aerospace Industries. Azerbaijan's decisive use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), primarily of Turkish and Israeli origin, in the 2020 conflict highlighted its embrace of modern, network-centric warfare. The Navy, the second largest in the Caspian Sea after Russia's, is focused on protecting vital offshore energy infrastructure, conducting regular joint exercises.

Defense Industry and Strategic Trends

Azerbaijan is nurturing a domestic defense industry to reduce foreign dependency. The Ministry of Defense Industry, established in 2005, now produces over 2,000 defense-related products and exports to more than 30 countries. This includes armored vehicles, UAVs, and small arms, often in collaboration with international partners like Turkey, Israel, and Pakistan.

Strategically, Azerbaijan maintains a delicate balancing act. Its deepest partnership is with Turkey, enshrined in the Shusha Declaration, which includes a mutual defense clause. Israel remains a crucial supplier of high-tech weaponry. While relations with Russia are pragmatic, characterized by arms purchases and cooperation in trade, Baku has also ensured the departure of Russian peacekeepers from its territory. Recently, Azerbaijan has taken steps to improve military cooperation with Iran through joint naval drills, likely to de-escalate tensions and secure its southern flank. Baku is also pursuing a multi-vector foreign policy, exploring greater engagement with platforms like BRICS, while maintaining strategic partnerships with several EU member states.