Armenia

Border Incidents
On May 29 and 30, the Armenian Defense Ministry reported that Azerbaijani Armed Forces units fired toward the Khoznavar settlement in Syunik Province, causing damage to residential properties and livestock.

On May 29, between 1:00 a.m. and 1:15 a.m. local time, Azerbaijani forces opened fire on Khoznavar, damaging a residential house. No casualties were reported. The Armenian Defense Ministry urged Azerbaijan to investigate the incident and provide public explanations for the shelling.

Between 12:10 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. on May 30, Azerbaijani units again fired on Khoznavar, damaging a residential house’s bathroom and fatally wounding a small ruminant. The Armenian Defense Ministry reiterated its demand for an investigation and public clarification regarding the shelling of the residential area.

Armenia-UK Hold Regular Defense Consultations
On May 29, the Armenia-United Kingdom defense consultations were held at the administrative complex of Armenia’s Ministry of Defense.

Artur Yeroyan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, briefed British counterparts on the Armenian Army’s transformation process and highlighted priority areas. Discussions covered regional and international security as well as defense sector cooperation.

The parties reviewed the implementation of prior agreements and summarized the results of their cooperation program. Both sides expressed readiness to expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

At the conclusion, Levon Ayvazyan, Head of the Defense Policy and International Cooperation Department of Armenia’s Ministry of Defense, and Christopher Key, Director of Policy Affairs for Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia at the UK Ministry of Defense, signed the 2025-2026 cooperation program.

Armenia and Slovakia Discuss Defense Sector Cooperation
On May 26, a delegation led by Vladimir Shimonyak, Slovakia’s Deputy Minister of Economy, visited Armenia’s Ministry of Defense.

Karen Brutyan, Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Defense, welcomed Shimonyak at the Ministry’s administrative complex. Following an initial meeting, discussions continued in an expanded format. The parties explored Armenia-Slovakia defense sector cooperation and agreed to further develop this collaboration.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan and Pakistan Boost Military Cooperation During Bilateral Meetings
On May 28, the 11th Azerbaijan-Pakistan Working Group Meeting was held in Islamabad between Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense and the Joint Staff of Pakistan’s Armed Forces.

A delegation led by the Chief of Azerbaijan’s International Military Cooperation Department met with the Chief of Pakistan’s Main Department for Foreign Military Cooperation. The sides reviewed the current state and prospects for military and military-technical cooperation, exchanged views on expanding bilateral collaboration, and addressed other mutual interests. The meeting concluded with the signing of the 11th Working Group Meeting Protocol.

On the same day in Lachin, Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, hosted Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan’s Armed Forces. Hasanov expressed pleasure at the visit, congratulated Munir on his promotion to Field Marshal, and emphasized that strengthening military relations with Pakistan remains a priority for President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

Munir thanked his host for the warm welcome, highlighting the importance of mutual visits for advancing military relations. Both sides discussed enhancing military cooperation, including increasing joint exercises with modern technologies, and addressed other mutual interests.

Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov Meets Türkiye’s Defense Minister Yaşar Güler
On May 28, Zakir Hasanov met with Türkiye’s Minister of National Defense, Yaşar Güler, during Güler’s working visit to Azerbaijan.

Both ministers expressed confidence that the Azerbaijani-Turkish strategic alliance, rooted in mutual trust and brotherly relations, would continue to strengthen. They discussed expanding cooperation in military, military-technical, military-educational, and other sectors, emphasizing the importance of intensifying joint efforts.

Local and International Exercises
On May 29, Azerbaijani Armed Forces participated in military activities in Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye, emphasizing international cooperation and combat readiness.

In Pakistan, a course involving Azerbaijani Air Force specialists concluded successfully. Participants demonstrated strong theoretical and practical skills while operating with the Pakistani Air Force. Upon their return, Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Defense and Air Force Commander, commended the servicemen, awarded honorary certificates, and promoted several for outstanding professionalism to “Junior Warrant Officer.”

In Azerbaijan, a live-fire tactical exercise involving the “Smerch” multiple launch rocket system unit of the Rocket and Artillery Troops was conducted per the 2025 training plan. The unit was put on alert, deployed from its base to an assembly area, and successfully completed live-fire missions. The exercise aimed to enhance combat capability and servicemen’s operational skills in modern warfare.

In Kayseri, Türkiye, Distinguished Visitors Day was held during the Erciyes-2025 exercise, attended by Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Commander of Turkish Land Forces, Kanan Seyidov, Commander of Azerbaijan’s Combined Arms Army (CAA), military attachés, and representatives from participating countries. Guests were briefed on the exercise objectives and observed tactical episodes. Azerbaijani CAA servicemen demonstrated high professionalism. The event concluded with a display of Turkish-produced weapons, ammunition, military equipment, and UAVs, with explanations of their tactical and technical features.

Azerbaijani Soldier Wounded by Anti-Personnel Mine Near Istisu, Kalbajar
On May 29, at approximately 10:10 a.m. local time, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that serviceman Sadigov Khudaverdi Hasan was wounded by an anti-personnel mine during mine-clearance operations near Istisu, Kalbajar.

The soldier sustained a left leg injury. Immediate first aid was provided, and he was evacuated to a military hospital for further treatment. The ministry attributed the mine’s placement to Armenian forces.

Military Attachés from 19 Countries Visit Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic
On May 30, per the annual action plan approved by Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, military attachés accredited in Azerbaijan visited the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Thirty-five representatives from 19 countries participated. The delegation paid tribute at the Heydar Aliyev monument in Nakhchivan city and visited the Heydar Aliyev Museum, learning about his life and statehood legacy.

At the Combined Arms Army (CAA) Headquarters, Major General Kanan Seyidov welcomed the guests, who received a presentation on the CAA’s history, reforms, and objectives. The delegation signed the “Book of Honor.” The visit included tours of the CAA’s Training and Education Center, classrooms, simulation center, training equipment halls, Nakhchivan Military College, and the Military Lyceum named after Heydar Aliyev. The delegation concluded at the Nakhchivan Restoration and Production Military Complex.

Border Incidents
On May 30, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry refuted claims by Armenia’s Defense Ministry that Azerbaijan Army units fired on Khoznavar between 12:10 a.m. and 1:00 a.m., damaging a residential building and killing a small ruminant.

The ministry stated that Azerbaijan Army units do not target civilian populations or infrastructure, calling the Armenian claims entirely false.

NATO Military Education Experts Visit Azerbaijan’s National Defense University
On May 31, NATO military education experts visited Azerbaijan’s National Defense University (NDU) and its subordinate institutions to review military education progress and discuss future developments.

At the NDU, annual achievements were evaluated, and prospective issues were addressed. The NATO delegation toured the NDU’s Military Management Institute, the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev, and the Military Medical Faculty, receiving briefings and answering questions. Discussions covered prior topics, educational program development, enhancing teaching staff expertise, implementing electronic teaching systems, and other future-oriented issues.

Georgia

Georgia Celebrates Independence Day with Military Oaths and Nationwide Ceremonies
On May 26, Georgia marked Independence Day with nationwide ceremonies, military oaths, speeches, and public events celebrating sovereignty and honoring the armed forces and national heritage.

Recruits of the Georgian Defense Forces took their military oath before God and the nation, officially joining the armed forces. Oath-taking ceremonies were held at historic sites, including Nokalakevi-Tsikhegoji, Geguti Palace, Vegini Ascension Complex, Samtavisi Cathedral, and Dariali Valley. Giorgi Matiashvili, Commander of the Georgian Defense Forces, presented military fireworks to supreme authorities during the recruits’ ceremony.

At Freedom Square, Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani addressed military personnel and citizens, emphasizing that Independence Day symbolizes Georgia’s freedom, sovereignty, and the army’s role as the foundation of national defense, dignity, and loyalty. “Only a firm and unbreakable nation can carry out the idea of freedom for centuries, preserve national identity and values, and become a companion of modern world civilization,” he stated, expressing confidence in Georgia’s respected and sovereign position within the European family.

Attendees included President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani, representatives of Georgia’s legislative, executive, and judicial authorities, Bishop Shio, the Head of the Patriarchal Throne, the Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, chairmen of Adjara and Abkhazia Autonomous Republics, Tbilisi’s Mayor, the Sakrebulo Chairman, the Central Election Commission Chairman, the Public Ombudsman, defense agency members, wounded soldiers, diplomatic corps representatives, and clerical leaders.

Units such as the David Aghmashenebeli National Defense Academy, Giorgi Kvinitadze Cadets Military Lyceum, George Antsukhelidze Sergeant Academy, Aviation and Air Defense, Special Operations, Troops Logistics, Western and Eastern Base Units, National Guard, 20th Territorial Defense Brigade Reservists, and Military Police participated. The National Guard Military-Show Orchestra performed, and the national anthem accompanied the flag-raising. A minute of silence honored those who died for Georgia’s independence, territorial integrity, and international missions.

Approximately 700 National Military Service officers took their oath at six locations, half voluntarily. The celebration concluded with a flyover by the Aviation and Air Defense Department. Across 21 cities, including Tbilisi, Gori, Kutaisi, Batumi, and Zugdidi, the Georgian Defense Forces displayed military equipment, weapons, and vehicles, showcasing domestic and foreign-produced machinery. SSTC “Delta” presented a headquarters vehicle, an intelligence vehicle, and an upgraded “Didgori – Warrior” vehicle at Freedom Square.

Georgia Marks 10th Anniversary of NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center
On May 30, the 10th anniversary of the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center (JTEC) was commemorated with an event attended by defense officials, international partners, and military personnel.

First Deputy Defense Minister Paata Patiashvili and Deputy Commander Major General Irakli Chichinadze congratulated JTEC’s leadership and personnel, emphasizing the center’s strategic importance for Georgia’s defense capabilities and acknowledging international partners’ contributions.

Alexander Vinikov, Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia, Dale Woodhouse, Deputy Head of NATO’s Core Group of the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP), and Colonel David Gagua, Head of JTEC, also spoke, reflecting on the center’s achievements.

The ceremony began with a wreath-laying at the memorial for those who died for Georgia’s territorial integrity and in international missions. JTEC personnel received medals, seals of distinction, and commendations. Archpriest Guram Charelashvili blessed the personnel.

Attendees toured the center’s simulation and training facilities. The event included Defense Ministry representatives, defense attachés, NATO Liaison Office members, and SNGP officials.