Armenia

Gunshot Explosion Injures Personnel During Armenian Defense Ministry Training

On July 8, at around 16:00 [local time], the Armenian Defense Ministry announced that a gunshot explosion occurred during a training session at one of its training facilities, resulting in injuries, according to preliminary data. The ministry stated that an investigation had been launched to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and pledged to provide further updates. On July 9, the Armenian Defense Ministry reported that the lives of the injured were not in danger and they remained under medical supervision.

Armenia and Iran Defence Ministers Discuss Regional Security in Phone Call

On July 9, Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia, held a telephone conversation with Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, the Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics of the Islamic Republic of Iran. During the discussion, the two ministers addressed issues concerning international and regional security, along with matters related to bilateral cooperation. Both officials emphasized the importance of strengthening stability and promoting peace in the region.

Armenia Engages with NATO and US Officials to Enhance Defence Cooperation

On July 10, Edward Asryan, the First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, met with Lieutenant General John Mead, the Deputy Commander of NATO Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, to discuss matters of bilateral cooperation.

On July 11, Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, received Kristina Kvien, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, along with the newly appointed Defense Attaché, Colonel Matthew Crowe. Minister Papikyan congratulated Colonel Crowe on his appointment and wished him success. The meeting focused on the current state and future prospects of defense cooperation between Armenia and the US. Both parties assessed the existing level of collaboration as high, and the US side reiterated its commitment to supporting the ongoing defense reforms in Armenia.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s Defense Chief Visits Saudi Arabia to Strengthen Military Relations

On July 7, Karim Valiyev, the First Deputy Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, began an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the invitation of his counterpart, Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili. On July 8, an official welcoming ceremony was held at the General Staff of Saudi Arabia, followed by an expanded meeting between the two delegations. The two sides discussed prospects for developing military, military-technical, and military-educational cooperation between their armed forces.

Exercise with Kazakhstan

On July 9, the "Tarlan-2025" joint flight-tactical exercise involving Azerbaijani and Kazakh servicemen in the field of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) commenced in Azerbaijan. Following an opening ceremony, personnel began executing their assigned tasks. The exercise successfully concluded on July 10. Service members from both countries completed all assigned tasks, demonstrating a high level of combat readiness. The exercise featured a series of UAV flights where mini-UAVs gathered intelligence on targets that were then neutralized using operational-tactical UAVs. Azerbaijani and Kazakh servicemen who distinguished themselves during the exercise were awarded medals and valuable gifts.

Georgia

Local Exercise

On July 11, the Georgian Defense Ministry reported that intelligence sub-divisions of the Defense Forces conducted situational field training at the "Sorta Field Camp" in Senaki. The exercise involved military personnel from various units, including the East and West commands, Aviation and Air Defense, and the National Guard. The training, part of the larger "Mstovari 2025" field meeting, aimed to assess readiness levels, enhance combat preparedness, and test new intelligence equipment.

NATO Representatives Visit Georgian Ministry of Defense to Advance Partnership

On July 11, representatives of the NATO International Service visited the Ministry of Defense of Georgia. The purpose of the visit was to develop a new cycle of the Individualized Partnership Program (ITPP) and to renew partnership goals for the period 2025–2028. During the meetings, the parties reviewed priority defense areas, key aspects of practical cooperation between NATO and Georgia, and discussed future plans.