Azerbaijan is celebrating Armed Forces Day today, marking the 108th anniversary of the establishment of its national army.

Axar.az informs that the country's first regular military unit, the Separate Corps, was established on June 26, 1918, by a decision of the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

The Ministry of War, formed during the same period, was led by prominent military figures including Samad bey Mehmandarov and Ali-Agha Shikhlinski, who played a key role in implementing major military reforms and laying the foundations of Azerbaijan's national armed forces.

Modern military development in Azerbaijan began in the 1970s. Following the rise to power of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in 1969, the training of national military officers became a strategic priority, laying the foundation for the country's modern armed forces.

The Jamshid Nakhchivanski Military School was established in Baku, while efforts to encourage young Azerbaijanis to study both there and at military academies abroad significantly contributed to the development of a professional officer corps.

After Azerbaijan regained its independence, the country faced a deep military crisis. Without a regular army, one of its main challenges was gaining control of the situation on the battlefield during the fighting over Karabakh. Building an effective military force proved difficult, while the army also struggled with serious logistical and material shortages.

Gradually, however, all of the country's resources were mobilized to build a national army and reverse the course of the war. The first significant steps were taken to transform volunteer battalions into a regular military force. A partial military mobilization was launched, and the conscription system was put in place.

A military parade held in Baku on October 9, 1992, helped strengthen public confidence in the armed forces, boost interest in military service, and promote patriotism.

The foundation of Azerbaijan's professional army was laid in late 1993. Illegal armed groups were disbanded, a unified chain of command was established, disorder was brought under control, and a regular army was formed. Supreme Commander-in-Chief Heydar Aliyev's visits to frontline positions also marked an important stage in the development of the country's armed forces.

Following the ceasefire agreement with Armenia in May 1994, Azerbaijan's armed forces entered a new phase of development, with modern military building advancing on a solid institutional foundation.

On May 22, 1998, National Leader Heydar Aliyev signed a decree restoring the traditions of the national army and officially declaring June 26 as Armed Forces Day.

Under President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has continued implementing this long-term military strategy. Through a series of presidential decrees and orders, the country has established a modern defense industry, strengthened the armed forces, and improved the training of military personnel.

For the third consecutive year, Azerbaijan is marking Armed Forces Day in the spirit of victory, reflecting the country's recent military successes.

On September 27, 2020, under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched a counteroffensive to liberate territories under Armenian control. After 44 days of fighting, Azerbaijan declared victory in what is officially known in the country as the Patriotic War.
Azerbaijani soldiers carried out their combat missions with courage, dedication, initiative, and determination. As a result of the military campaign, territories previously under Armenian control were brought back under Azerbaijan's control, and the country's territorial integrity was restored.

Azerbaijani soldiers liberated territories that had remained under Armenian control for nearly three decades, achieving a historic victory through their sacrifice and service.

The victory is the result of years of military reforms, the unity of the Azerbaijani people, the state, and the armed forces, as well as the leadership of President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev.

Today, Azerbaijan's Armed Forces are modern and capable military, developed under the leadership of President and Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. According to international military rankings, Azerbaijan's armed forces are listed among the world's 50 strongest militaries.

The Azerbaijani military is equipped with modern weapons systems, including advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), strike drones, and other contemporary military equipment, reflecting the country's continued investment in defense modernization.

Significant measures have been implemented to strengthen the country's defense capabilities and national security. Military reforms have included the creation of new commando brigades and continued modernization of the armed forces.

These steps reflect the leadership's commitment to ensuring the country's security. The establishment of the Lachin border checkpoint on the Armenia–Azerbaijan border as an example of the Azerbaijani military's capabilities and the state's efforts to strengthen border control.