Armenia

Armenia and China Strengthen Defense Cooperation Through Diplomatic Exchanges 

On August 1, Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia, extended his congratulations to Admiral Dong Jun, the Minister of National Defence of the People’s Republic of China, on the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army of China. Papikyan stated, "I extend my warmest congratulations to You and the People’s Liberation Army of China on the 98th Anniversary of its Founding." He also expressed confidence that the partnership between Armenia and China in the defense sphere would continue to serve the shared interests of both countries.

Armenia Announces Joint Military Exercise "EAGLE PARTNER 2025" With US 

On August 2, the Armenian side announced that the joint Armenia–US military exercise "EAGLE PARTNER 2025" will be conducted in Armenia from August 12 to 20 as part of preparations for participation in international peacekeeping missions. According to the statement, the exercise will involve servicemembers from the peacekeeping brigade of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, US Army Europe and Africa, and the Kansas National Guard. The training will focus on the preparation and execution of peacekeeping operations, with particular emphasis on medical evacuation procedures. The primary objectives of the exercise are to enhance interoperability among units participating in international peacekeeping missions, exchange best practices in command and tactical communication, and increase the readiness of Armenia’s peacekeeping unit. It was also noted that such joint military exercises and training with partner countries are a regular component of preparations for international peacekeeping operations.

Azerbaijan

Zakir Hasanov Meets Families of Turkish Martyrs Visiting Azerbaijan 

On August 2, Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Karim Valiyev, the First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, held a meeting with members of the families of Turkish Martyrs visiting Azerbaijan at the invitation of the "YAŞAT" Foundation. During the meeting, the Minister welcomed the guests and expressed his satisfaction at seeing them in Azerbaijan. Hasanov emphasized that the memory of Azerbaijani and Turkish Martyrs is always honored, and in line with the instructions of the heads of both countries, the families of Martyrs are treated with particular care and attention. The meeting also underlined that mutual visits contribute to the further development of the historical friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Representatives of Turkey expressed their gratitude to the Minister of Defense for the hospitality and warm reception. As part of the visit, the guests toured sites rich in historical and cultural heritage, exploring monuments that reflect the blend of ancient and modern architecture, and familiarized themselves with the history and culture of Azerbaijan.

Georgia

International Exercise 

On August 2, the multinational exercise Agile Spirit 2025 in Georgia, comprising both command-and-staff and field components, was conducted at the NATO–Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center (JTEC) in Krtsanisi. The simulation phase utilized the Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulation (JCATS) system, with higher headquarters managed by the US Georgia National Guard, while the 2nd Infantry Brigade of Georgia’s Western Command served as the primary training audience. The field component took place in the Norio training area, where, based on orders from the 2nd Infantry Brigade’s headquarters, US forces conducted a defensive operation. Personnel from Georgia’s Combat Training Center (CTC) participated in the exercise as an opposing force. US aircraft, Humvees, and CTC combat equipment were involved in the training. For the first time, Georgia’s Combat Training Center is undergoing validation within the framework of the exercise. CTC observer-controllers monitored the actions of the American unit, while a group of instructors from the US Army’s 7th Training Command in Europe and Africa evaluated the Georgian instructors, who are subject to the validation process.