Weekly Brief on the Military Situation in South Caucasus Countries (18-24 August 2025)
Armenia
International Exercise
On August 19, Edward Asryan, First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia; Kristina Kvien, the US Ambassador to Armenia; Carlin Williams, Assistant Adjutant General and Commander of the Kansas Army National Guard; foreign Defense Attachés accredited in Armenia; and other senior military officials observed the Armenia-US joint exercise "EAGLE PARTNER 2025," conducted to prepare for participation in international peacekeeping missions. During the visit, the distinguished guests observed the active phase of the practical exercise, which involved joint operations and coordination between Armenian and U.S. forces. On August 20, the closing ceremony of the exercise was held in Armenia. During the ceremony, the exercise leadership expressed gratitude to all personnel for their effective cooperation, successful implementation of joint training activities, and the exchange of experience gained throughout the exercise.
Azerbaijan
Local Exercise
On August 20, training flights using Super Mushshak aircraft were conducted by Azerbaijan Air Force units. During the exercise, flight crews underwent health assessments, received briefings on safety regulations, and performed control inspections of the aircraft. Following these preparations, the pilots commenced the scheduled training flights. According to the training plan, young pilots successfully carried out take-offs and landings, flew individually and in groups along designated routes, executed pilotage elements at various altitudes, and completed other assigned training tasks. The training flights achieved their objectives of enhancing the professionalism and practical skills of military pilots.
Azerbaijan Holds Expert Meeting With NATO at Land Forces Unit
On August 21, an expert meeting was held at a Land Forces military unit with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Defense and NATO. During the meeting, officials from the Ministry of Defense and foreign specialists delivered various briefings and addressed questions of mutual interest. The participants also analyzed the current state of Azerbaijan's relations with NATO under the Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) program and engaged in a broad exchange of views on prospective issues. The meeting concluded with a group photo and the presentation of gifts to the guests.
Georgia
Local Training
On August 20, military personnel of the 4th Infantry Brigade received training in fire and rescue safety and emergency management. During the training, representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Emergency Management Service presented procedures and necessary actions related to crisis management, emergency situations, and civil security to the brigade's fire and rescue teams. After familiarizing themselves with the use of fire and rescue equipment and techniques, participants conducted practical firefighting exercises in the field. The training was organized with the support and coordination of the National Guard and aimed to develop the skills and capabilities of Defense Forces personnel for a rapid and effective response during emergencies, particularly at the local level. Following the completion of the training in the Western Command units, the Eastern Command units began undergoing the same program. Such exercises enhance interagency cooperation and improve the coordination of actions during crisis situations.
NATO Summer School 2025
On August 22, the NATO-Georgia Joint Center for Training and Evaluation (JTEC) hosted participants from the 2025 NATO Summer School. During the visit, the heads of JTEC briefed the guests on the history, mission, and functions of the center and presented ongoing projects. The participants received detailed information on how subdivisions are trained and evaluated in both real and simulated environments, at national and multinational levels. They were also able to view the weapons and equipment exhibited at the Assembly Square. The NATO Summer School, organized by the NATO Union Office, offered a five-day intensive program in which Georgian, Azerbaijani, and Armenian participants learned about the NATO-Georgia partnership, practical cooperation mechanisms, and the essential framework of NATO and JTEC. The program concluded with a visit to JTEC for all participants.
See Also
Pashinyan and Mirzoyan Visit Georgia for Talks on Strategic Cooperation
Armenian Parliament Debates Transport Issues, Regional Projects, And Security Policy
Armenia Warns That Iran Tensions Are Negatively Affecting South Caucasus Development
Bulgaria Secures Nearly 40% Of Gas Demand Through Azerbaijan Deal