Colonel General Zakir Hasanov: “Azerbaijan Army will continue to justify the trust of Supreme Commander-in-Chief and Azerbaijani people"

Under the leadership of Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Ministry of Defense held a Board Session reviewing the results of 2024, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense told AZERTAC.

The meeting, conducted via video teleconference, included the Defense Minister’s Deputies, Commanders of different troop types, the Commander of the Combined Arms Army, the Rector of the National Defense University, Chiefs of Main Departments and Departments, as well as Commanders of army corps and formations. Participants analyzed the past year's achievements and discussed tasks for 2025.

The session began with a commemoration of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the Shehids who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.

Defense Minister Hasanov highlighted the successful army development reforms carried out in 2024 under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. He conveyed to the participants the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s directives for the army. He emphasized that Azerbaijan’s growing defense power has strengthened its regional influence and international standing, outlining future development plans for 2025.

The Minister noted that, in line with the instructions of the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, ongoing measures are being successfully implemented to ensure the armed defense and security of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. These include enhancing combat capabilities and integrating modern weapons systems based on advanced technologies into the army’s arsenal.

Discussions also covered the current operational situation along the Azerbaijani-Armenian conditional border and the Azerbaijan Army’s service-combat activities in 2024. It was noted that, as in previous years, military reforms continued steadily under the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s leadership.

Speakers highlighted that in 2024, Azerbaijani servicemen participated in 20 bilateral and multilateral exercises, significantly improving the troops’ combat capabilities and military professionalism through intensive training programs. Special attention was given to mobilization training, with over 10,000 reservists undergoing skill enhancement and weapons training. These efforts will continue in 2025.

Participants were briefed on engineering activities, including the construction of new roads and military infrastructure in liberated territories. The meeting also addressed efforts to safeguard military personnel’s health, increase training intensity, and enforce discipline.

It was emphasized that the Azerbaijan Army ensured the prompt provision of logistics to troops, high-quality nutrition for servicemen, and continuous maintenance of weapons, armor, and vehicles in combat readiness. Military units were supplied with missiles, ammunition, and other essential equipment.

The discussion also covered improvements in military personnel’s living conditions. Achievements included providing adequate food, clothing, fuel, and firewood for soldiers stationed in mountainous combat positions, ensuring full winter gear for personnel, and enhancing logistical support.

Significant advancements in military education were also outlined. These included the establishment of new military colleges, the introduction of modern officer training courses, and the development of specialized programs aligning military education with higher academic standards. Additionally, the army saw innovations in personnel management, the formation of Intellectual Capabilities Units, and structural adjustments to optimize staffing.

Officials shared opinions and proposals on 2024’s outcomes and future plans. Defense Minister Hasanov noted that the Supreme Commander-in-Chief commended the Azerbaijan Army’s service-combat activities over the past year. He underscored the vital role of international military cooperation, joint exercises, and technical and educational partnerships in ensuring regional security.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Minister stressed the importance of further enhancing personnel professionalism, combat training, and the effectiveness of military exercises. He issued instructions for organizing combat duty along the conditional state border, enforcing strict safety regulations, increasing vigilance, and maintaining continuous monitoring of the opposite side’s activities.

The importance of adhering to fire safety rules, ensuring seasonal health precautions, and securing adequate winter provisions for military units was also highlighted. The Minister instructed officials to maintain strict oversight over army supplies, improve service conditions, and enhance medical care.

Finally, the Minister conveyed the requirements for organizing events in connection with Azerbaijan’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty.” He emphasized the need to maintain high levels of combat readiness and professionalism while ensuring the successful execution of all assigned tasks.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Defense Minister Hasanov expressed confidence that the Azerbaijan Army will continue to uphold the trust of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and the Azerbaijani people.