Armenia

Armenian Defense Minister Visits Iran

On February 24, Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, was welcomed by the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics of Iran with a military orchestra and a guard of honor. During his official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Papikyan met with Aziz Nasirzadeh, the Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Support of Iran, with Grigor Hakobyan, the Armenian Ambassador to Iran, also in attendance. The ministers praised the current level of Armenia-Iran defense cooperation, expressed commitment to further develop bilateral relations, and discussed regional and international security issues.

Papikyan also met with Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, to discuss Armenia-Iran cooperation in the defense sector and regional security concerns. Later, he met with Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, conveying warm greetings from Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening high-level Armenia-Iran relations and enhancing regional peace and stability. The discussions included defense cooperation and the need to resolve regional tensions through diplomatic channels.

On February 25, Papikyan met with Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, to discuss regional security, stability, and prospects for Armenia-Iran bilateral cooperation. Papikyan reiterated the importance of diplomatic solutions to regional challenges and exchanged views on the security environment surrounding both Armenia and Iran.

Azerbaijan

Advisory Meeting Held In Baku Under 2026 IPCP With NATO

On February 25, an Advisory meeting was held in Baku as part of the 2026 Individual Partnership Cooperation Programme (IPCP) between the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan and NATO. The meeting, which is a key element of NATO’s Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) Evaluation and Feedback Programme, reviewed the planning and preparation for the OCC units’ Self-Evaluation Level-1 (SEL-1) exercise scheduled in Azerbaijan in June.

Representatives from the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan and foreign experts participated, with the main objective of clarifying and approving evaluation questions designed to assess the combat training, support and equipment, and interoperability of the units with NATO standards, as declared under the OCC programme.

Russian Defense Delegation Visits Azerbaijan

On February 25, a delegation led by Colonel General Yurii Grekhov, Chief of Armaments and Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Armaments of the Aerospace Forces of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, visited Azerbaijan. During the visit to the Azerbaijan Air Force, the delegation met with Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade, the Deputy Minister of Defense and Commander of the Air Force. The discussions focused on the current state of Azerbaijani-Russian military cooperation and other matters of mutual interest.

As part of the visit, the delegation also participated in a seminar with the command staff of the National Defense University and other attendees, exchanging views on innovations in military education and scientific developments.

Georgia

Georgian MPs Attend Joint Session At National Defense Academy

On February 25, a joint exit session of the Defense and Security Committee and the Education, Science, and Youth Affairs Committee was held at the Georgian National Defense Academy named after David Aghmashenebeli. Members of Parliament were welcomed by Irakli Chikovani, the Minister of Defense of Georgia, and Lieutenant General Giorgi Matiashvili, Commander of the Defense Forces.

During the session, the Minister of Defense highlighted the productive cooperation between the Defense Ministry and the legislature, expressing gratitude to the deputies. Grigol Giorgadze, Deputy Minister of Defense, presented details on the military education system, explaining that after four years of training, cadets, known as Junks, receive officer titles and undergo specialization before being assigned to various subdivisions of the Defense Forces. He emphasized that the National Defense Academy provides all necessary conditions for high-quality education, promoting both a healthy lifestyle and successful military careers.

Members of the Education, Science, and Youth Affairs Committee discussed aspects of education reform related to the National Defense Academy, focusing on expanding international cooperation and research and development opportunities. Mariam Lashkh, the committee chairperson, noted that the military and defense sectors serve as platforms for technological innovation and stressed the importance of effectively organizing research and utilizing the Academy’s intellectual resources.

Prior to the session, Members of Parliament toured the National Defense Academy, inspecting cadet housing, educational facilities, infrastructure, and training laboratories. Alexander Tabatadze, Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee, stated that the visit provided an opportunity to review planned reforms and discuss how the Academy’s educational process can continue to develop and align with modern standards.

On March 1, a graduation ceremony for the aviation and air defense junior officers training course was held in Krtsanis at the Joint Military Center of the Georgian Defense Forces Training and Military Education. The 20-week course provided cadets with both theoretical and practical training in aviation fundamentals, air and defense systems, aviation operations, air defense operations, and the organization of combat training. Cadets also gained hands-on experience with aviation and air defense techniques.

The graduates were addressed by Colonel Levan Kavtaradze, Deputy of the Training and Military Education Base; Colonel Nikoloz Agladze, Commander of the Joint Military Center; and Colonel Giorgi Mumladze, Commander of the Air Defense Brigade. They congratulated the participants on completing their studies and wished them success in their professional careers. At the conclusion of the ceremony, diplomas were awarded to the graduates.