Weekly Brief on Military Situation in South Caucasus Countries (9-15 March, 2026)

| News, Security, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia

Armenia

Armenia Strengthens Defense Ties With EU Officials In Brussels

On March 12, Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defense of Armenia, met with Theo Franken, the Minister of Defense and Foreign Trade of Belgium, during his working visit to Brussels. The discussion focused on strengthening Armenia-Belgium cooperation in the defense sector. Both ministers emphasized the significant potential for collaboration in areas such as military education, professional training, military medicine, peacekeeping, and humanitarian demining. They agreed to continue efforts to expand bilateral cooperation in these fields. The interlocutors also addressed broader issues related to international security.

On March 13, Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, met with Andrius Kubilius, the EU Commissioner for Defense and Space, in Brussels. The discussion focused on opportunities and prospects for cooperation in the defense sector, as well as various regional and international security issues.

On the same day, Suren Papikyan also met with General Sean Clancy, the Chairman of the EU Military Committee, in Brussels. The meeting addressed military education, joint exercises, participation in missions under EU-Armenia security and defense cooperation, and other areas of mutual interest. Regional and international security matters were also discussed during the meeting.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Condemns Missile Attacks On Türkiye

On March 9, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry condemned a missile attack targeting the territory of the Republic of Türkiye, which was intercepted over Gaziantep. The ministry stated that such actions pose a serious threat to regional peace and security and are unacceptable. "We express full solidarity with the brotherly Republic of Türkiye. We support the Government of Türkiye in ensuring the safety and security of its population and territory. Azerbaijan stands firmly with Türkiye," the ministry said.

On March 13, the Ministry issued another statement condemning a subsequent rocket launch against Türkiye. The ministry described the attack as a grave violation of Türkiye’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling it an unacceptable escalation and a direct threat to regional stability. "We reiterate our solidarity with brotherly Türkiye," the statement emphasized.

Azerbaijan And Serbia Discuss Current And Future Military Cooperation

On March 11, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, the First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, held a telephone conversation with General Milan Mojsilović, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Serbia. The call was initiated by the Serbian side.

During the conversation, the officials discussed the current state and future prospects of military and military-technical cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia. They also exchanged detailed views on regional developments and security-related issues.

Turkish Delegation Visits Nakhchivan

On March 11, a delegation led by Metin Tokel, the Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Türkiye, visited the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. 

As part of the visit, the delegation toured the headquarters of the Combined Arms Army (CAA), where Lieutenant General Kanan Seyidov, the Commander of the CAA, met with Army General Metin Tokel. In accordance with protocol, the "Book of Honor" was signed. During the meeting, the sides exchanged detailed views on matters of mutual interest. A briefing was held on the history, development, activities, ongoing reforms, and future objectives of the CAA.

Metin Tokel emphasized that Türkiye stands firmly with Azerbaijan and is ready to provide military assistance under the provisions of the historic Shusha Declaration to strengthen regional stability and ensure security. He also highlighted that bilateral relations are founded on a strong strategic and military partnership. The meeting concluded with discussions on planning joint military exercises and exchanging experience between the two armed forces.

Azerbaijan Hosts NATO Level 1 Evaluator Training Course

On March 14, under the NATO Partnership for Peace Programme between Azerbaijan and NATO, a Level 1 Evaluator Training Course was held as part of the Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) programme.

The course took place at the War Games Center of the National Defense University and brought together 22 participants from Azerbaijan, along with 30 instructors and attendees from NATO and partner countries. Throughout the training, participants engaged in various theoretical and practical exercises, both individually and in groups. The primary objective of the course was to certify qualified military personnel to evaluate units and subunits designated for the Alliance’s Pool of Forces.

Georgia

Junior Officers Graduate From Infantry, Logistics, And Medical Training Courses

On March 14, a graduation ceremony was held in Krtsanis at the General Police Center for Training and Military Education for infantry, logistics, and military medical junior officer training courses.

Colonel Zurab Khvichia, the commander of the General Police Center, and Colonel Nikoloz Agladze, the commander of the General Military Center, congratulated the graduates on completing their education. The Junior Officer Training course lasted 25 weeks and included both theoretical and practical sessions.

Cadets conducted practical exercises at the Military Hospital of the Ministry of Defense, the Fifth Artillery, and the First and Fourth Infantry Brigades. During their training, participants from the Staff and Command College and the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course joined unified drills to refine planning processes and military decision-making skills. Graduates were awarded their respective certificates at the conclusion of the ceremony.

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