Armenia

Armenian Defense Minister Visits US

On October 13–15, Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, conducted a working visit to the United States, participating in the "AUSA" International Exposition in Washington, D.C., and holding a series of bilateral meetings. During the opening of the exposition on October 13, Minister Papikyan toured the pavilions, familiarized himself with the exhibits, and met with representatives of various participating organizations.

On October 14, he met with Michael Miller, Director of the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, where they discussed ongoing programs under the Armenia–U.S. defense partnership aimed at supporting Armenia’s defense reforms and agreed on the implementation of new initiatives. On the same day, Minister Papikyan also met with the leadership of the American company Milliken, specializing in military uniform design and development, to discuss the current stage of developing a new uniform for the Armed Forces of Armenia.

On October 15, Papikyan met with Elbridge Colby, Deputy for War Policy at the U.S. Department of Defense, at the Pentagon. Armenian Ambassador to the United States Narek Mkrtchyan participated in the meeting. The discussions focused on the ongoing Armenia–U.S. defense cooperation, the initiation of long-term institutional programs, and the further strengthening of the defense partnership, with emphasis on the U.S.’s critical role in ensuring sustainable regional security.

Azerbaijan

Local and International Exercises

On October 13–18, Azerbaijan participated in multiple regional and bilateral military exercises, including "Unity-2025," AZIREX-2025, and "Eternity-2025."

On October 13, Samarkand, Uzbekistan hosted the coordination meeting for the "Unity-2025" (Birlik-2025) joint regional exercise, involving senior staff from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Azerbaijani commando and UAV crews were set to take part in 14 activities across 20 tactical episodes. On October 14, units conducted demonstration training under inspection conditions during daytime and nighttime operations, simulating real combat scenarios with modern technical equipment, innovative tactics, aerosol screens, and strike UAVs. The opening ceremony of the exercise was also held on October 14, featuring national anthems, speeches emphasizing mutual experience exchange, a cultural concert, and a ceremonial march of the participants.

On October 15, vessels and personnel from the Iranian Navy entered Azerbaijan’s territorial waters to take part in the AZIREX-2025 joint search and rescue exercise. Following a solemn welcoming ceremony attended by Azerbaijan Navy officials, the delegation met with the Commander of the Azerbaijan Navy to discuss cooperation and the exercise objectives, which focused on ensuring Caspian Sea security and enhancing coordination in search and rescue operations. AZIREX-2025 concluded successfully on October 17, with all tasks completed and personnel commended for their professionalism. Iranian Navy personnel departed Baku port on October 18.

Simultaneously, pursuant to the trilateral military cooperation plan between Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, the "Eternity-2025" computer-assisted command-staff exercise was conducted in Kars, Türkiye. Focused on tactical-level protection and defense of strategic facilities and communication lines, the exercise involved Azerbaijani Army personnel and employees of the State Agency for the Protection of Strategic Objects. The first phase concluded on October 17, with participants successfully completing assigned tasks, demonstrating high combat readiness, and receiving awards for their performance. The practical phase of the exercise is ongoing and scheduled to continue until October 24.

Azerbaijan Hosts US Central Command Delegation To Discuss Bilateral Relations

On October 18, Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, received Brad Cooper, the Commander of the US Central Command and admiral of the US Navy, to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. During the meeting, Admiral Brad Cooper congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on Azerbaijan’s progress in advancing the peace agenda with Armenia, noting that these achievements were recognized by the US President in Washington. Expressing his gratitude for the congratulations, President Aliyev emphasized the special role of President Donald Trump in this process and stated that the documents signed in Washington provide significant opportunities for regional development, adding that Azerbaijan and Armenia have already adapted to living under conditions of peace. They also welcomed the recent strengthening of Azerbaijan-US bilateral ties and exchanged views on prospects for cooperation in military and military-technical areas.

On the same day, Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held a meeting with the delegation led by Admiral Brad Cooper. The delegation began their visit by paying tribute to the Martyrs at the Alley of Martyrs. During the meeting, Colonel General Hasanov briefed the guests on the successful reforms implemented in the Azerbaijan Army under the leadership of President Aliyev, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and expressed satisfaction with the existing bilateral cooperation in various fields. In response, Admiral Cooper thanked the Azerbaijani officials for the warm reception and hospitality, highlighting the importance of mutual visits in strengthening relations. He also acknowledged the contribution of Azerbaijani servicemen to the "Resolute Support" non-combat mission in Afghanistan and emphasized the need to further develop military cooperation. The meeting concluded with discussions on new avenues for enhancing military collaboration between Azerbaijan and the United States.

Azerbaijan Medical University Hosts DEEP Course

On October 13, the Military Medical Faculty of Azerbaijan Medical University hosted the first module of the "English in Medicine" course under NATO’s Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP). During the course, a DEEP delegation from Bulgaria provided briefings to the participants, focusing on improving their professional readiness through insights from international experience. The course was scheduled to continue until October 18.

Azerbaijan Hosts South Korean Defense Delegation

On October 15, Karim Valiyev, the First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, received a delegation led by Choi Chun-song, the Director of the Foreign Intelligence Department of the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea, during their visit to Azerbaijan. Prior to the meeting, the Korean delegation paid tribute at the Alley of Martyrs by laying flowers at the graves of the fallen and at the Eternal Flame monument. During the meeting at the General Staff, Colonel General Valiyev warmly welcomed the guests and expressed his satisfaction at hosting them in Azerbaijan, emphasizing his appreciation for the achievements in military cooperation between the two countries. In response, Major General Choi thanked the hosts for their hospitality and highlighted the significance of mutual visits in further strengthening bilateral relations. The meeting also included a broad exchange of views on several other issues of mutual interest.

Serbian Defense Delegation Visits Azerbaijan

On October 14, a delegation from the Serbian Ministry of Defense visited Azerbaijan under the bilateral military cooperation plan signed between the Ministries of Defense of Azerbaijan and Serbia. During the meeting at the Center for War Games of the Military Administration Institute of the National Defense University, both sides highlighted that the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Defense, the bilateral military cooperation plans, and discussions on strengthening strategic partnership relations play a key role in advancing defense collaboration between the two countries. They emphasized that mutual visits and meetings have significantly contributed to enhancing military cooperation and noted the numerous events and training exercises conducted within the framework of the bilateral plan. The meeting also underscored that friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Serbia reflect effective defense diplomacy and contribute to regional and broader peace and stability. Subsequently, briefings on "Planning of Operations" were presented, followed by extensive discussions and responses to questions of mutual interest. The delegation received detailed information on the modern Azerbaijan Army, including reforms, troop planning, types of units, special educational institutions, combat training organization, operational activities, and other areas.

Azerbaijan And Uzbekistan Enhance Military Education Cooperation

On October 17, a roundtable discussion and an event marking the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation were held as part of the "Unity-2025" (Birlik-2025) joint regional exercise in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. During the event, delegations were led by Arif Hasanov, the Deputy Rector of Azerbaijan National Defense University for Science and Education, and Akmoljon Godirov, the Deputy Chief of the Uzbekistan University of Military Security and Defense and Chief of the Military Research Institute. The roundtable focused on expanding cooperation in military education and research, implementing joint projects, and exploring prospects for further collaboration. Participants emphasized the importance of scientific knowledge and modern military education in ensuring regional peace and security, as well as the value of exchanging expertise in this field. The Azerbaijani delegation provided detailed briefings on the educational system and recent reforms at the National Defense University. Within the framework of the exercise, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the National Defense University of Azerbaijan and the University of Military Security and Defense of Uzbekistan.

Georgia

Georgia Hosts NATO OCC E&F Conference

On October 13, Georgia hosted the annual NATO Operational Capability Concept Assessment and Feedback Program (OCC E&F) conference. During the opening at the Biltmore Hotel, Paata Patiashvili, the First Deputy Minister of Defense, and Yusuf Karagiule, Rear Admiral, highlighted the significance of the program and Georgia’s active participation. The event was attended by Irakli Chichinadze, the Deputy Commander of the Defense Forces of Georgia, along with representatives from various military and civilian sectors of NATO member and partner countries. Over the course of five days, participants shared experiences in organizing and executing military exercises, assessed the outcomes of mutual cooperation, and discussed plans for the upcoming year. During the conference, Major General Chichinadze held bilateral meetings with Rear Admiral Karagiule and Brigadier General Teodoros Stephou, focusing on defense and security cooperation among partner countries. The NATO OCC E&F conference, held annually under the aegis of NATO operations (SHAPE), takes place in different partner countries each year and is being hosted in Georgia for the second time.

Georgia Participates In Rammstein Format Meeting

On October 15, Irakli Chikovani, the Defense Minister of Georgia, participated in a meeting of the Rammstein format in the Kingdom of Belgium. During the session of the 31st Ukrainian Defense Contact Group held at NATO headquarters in Brussels, the meeting was hosted by Boris Pistorius, the German Defense Minister, and John Hill, the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defense. The event brought together heads of defense agencies and senior officials from NATO member and partner countries. Participants reviewed the current situation of the ongoing war in Ukraine and discussed the country’s military assistance needs.