Armenia
Indian National Defense College Delegation Visits Armenia
From June 9 to 13, a delegation from the Indian National Defense College, led by Major General Samarth Nagar, visited Armenia for an official study tour. On June 9, Lieutenant General Edward Asryan, First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the Armenian Armed Forces, welcomed the delegation at the Ministry of Defense in Yerevan. Asryan briefed the group on ongoing reforms within the Armenian military and engaged in discussions on regional and international security issues, reflecting Armenia’s efforts to strengthen defense ties with India.

Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan Strengthen Military Cooperation
On June 9, Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Defense and Air Force Commander, led a delegation to Uzbekistan at the invitation of Major General Akhmad Burkhanov, Commander of Uzbekistan’s Air Defense Forces and Air Force. The delegation paid respects at the Heydar Aliyev monument in Tashkent and held meetings with Uzbekistan’s Defense Minister, Major General Shukhrat Khalmukhamedov, and Major General Burkhanov to discuss military cooperation, focusing on military aviation and air defense experience exchange. The group visited the Chirchik air base and a military unit to review operations and facilities.

On June 13, Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, met with Viktor Mahmudov, Secretary of Uzbekistan’s Security Council, during Mahmudov’s visit to Azerbaijan. Hasanov emphasized the role of strong bilateral ties between the two countries’ leaders in advancing military cooperation, while Mahmudov expressed appreciation for Azerbaijan’s hospitality and highlighted expanding military and sectoral collaboration. Discussions covered regional security and mutual interests, reinforcing the deepening Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan partnership.

Local and International Exercises
On June 10, a flag exchange ceremony in Nakhchivan marked preparations for the “Indestructible Brotherhood-2025” command-staff exercise and the “Mustafa Kemal Atatürk-2025” joint live-fire tactical exercise with Turkey. At the Sadarak border checkpoint, Azerbaijani and Turkish flag platoons exchanged flags, followed by the movement of tank, mechanized, and commando units to Nakhchivan for training involving artillery, air defense, and aviation units. These exercises aim to enhance combat readiness and interoperability.

On June 11, Baku hosted the final planning conference for the “Eternal Brotherhood-IV” multinational exercise, set for September 2025, involving special forces from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. The conference focused on operational planning, joint training, and regional security cooperation. Also on June 11, Azerbaijani military pilots conducted training flights, practicing complex maneuvers at low and medium altitudes to improve combat skills.

On June 14, Azerbaijan Naval Forces deployed ships and personnel from Baku to participate in the “Khazri-2025” joint tactical exercise with Kazakhstan in the Caspian Sea, aimed at enhancing professionalism and fostering experience exchange.

Azerbaijani and Georgian Defense Medical Services Hold Bilateral Meeting
On June 12, representatives of the Azerbaijani and Georgian Defense Ministries met in Baku to discuss cooperation in military medicine. The Georgian delegation was briefed on the organization of Azerbaijan’s military medical services and supply systems. Both sides exchanged views on mutual interests and toured key Azerbaijani facilities, including the Main Clinical Hospital, Central Military and Dental Polyclinics, Military Medical Faculty, Forensic-Medical Expertise and Pathological Anatomy Center, and a Recreation Center, underscoring efforts to strengthen bilateral defense ties.

Azerbaijani Defense Minister Expresses Condolences for Iranian Chief of Staff
On June 13, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov sent condolences to Iran following the death of Lieutenant General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces. Hasanov noted Bagheri’s professionalism and personal qualities, extending sympathies to his family and praying for his soul, reflecting Azerbaijan’s diplomatic engagement with regional powers.

Georgia
Local Exercises
On June 9, the Georgian Defense Forces’ Eastern Command conducted a three-day competitive exercise to identify the best infantry squad. Eight squads performed tactical tasks under day and night conditions, including navigating difficult terrain, capturing patrol bases, launching attacks, and using unmanned aerial vehicles for intelligence gathering. The 14th Battalion of the First Infantry Brigade won, with soldiers receiving certificates, coins, and gifts from Brigadier General Roland Dzneladze, Commander of the Eastern Front. The exercise aimed to enhance combat readiness and was positively evaluated.

On June 10, the 23rd Infantry Battalion of the 2nd Infantry Brigade completed a training and evaluation program at the Norio, Martkopi, and Vaziani training areas. The program, monitored by the Combat Training Center, included planning and execution phases, with the tactical group conducting delay, mopping, entrapment, and self-rescue operations to improve tactical capabilities.

Georgia and Hungary Hold 2nd Intergovernmental Commission Meeting
On June 11, Georgia’s Defense Minister and Vice Prime Minister, Irakli Chikovani, attended the 2nd Intergovernmental Commission meeting in Budapest, Hungary, alongside Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. Chikovani met with Hungarian Defense Minister Kristophe Shalai Bobrovnitski, expressing gratitude for Hungary’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and NATO integration. Discussions covered regional security challenges and prospects for deepened defense cooperation, including initiatives under the NATO-Georgia package. The session underscored Georgia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing its Eurointegration path.