Today is the Day of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Axar.az reports that 106 years have passed since the creation of the army.

On June 26, 1918, by the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first regular military unit - Separate Corps was established. Samad Bey Mehmandarov, Aliagha Shikhlinski and other military experts represented in the Ministry of Defense and its management team, organized at that time, carried out important reforms in the construction of the army in Azerbaijan.

The construction of a modern army in Azerbaijan started in the 70s of the last century. In 1969, Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, upon coming to power, chose the training of national officer cadres as a goal, and thus the foundation of the army building in Azerbaijan was laid. A military school named after Jamshid Nakhchivanski was opened in Baku. The work carried out by attracting young people to that school, as well as to military schools outside the country, gave a great impetus to the work of training professional personnel for Azerbaijan.

After Azerbaijan regained its state independence, the country faced a serious crisis in the military field. The main task facing Azerbaijan, which did not have a regular army, was to control the situation in the battles for Karabakh, which was carried out with great difficulty. The material and technical support of the army was accompanied by problems.

However, in order to prevent defeats in the war, all the country's capabilities were mobilized to build a national army. The first serious steps were taken from the volunteer battalions to the regular army. Partial military mobilization and conscription have been completed. The military parade held in Baku on October 9, 1992 was a step taken to increase confidence and interest in the army, as well as the spirit of patriotism.

The foundation of building a professional army in the country was laid at the end of 1993. Illegal armed groups were abolished in Azerbaijan, a single command was created, the riots ended and a regular army was formed. Commander-in-Chief Heydar Aliyev's visits to the frontline regions are also an important stage in the construction of the army.

After the armistice with Armenia was reached in May 1994, modern army building started to develop on fundamental basis.

With the decree signed by National Leader Heydar Aliyev on May 22, 1998, an important step was taken in restoring the traditions of succession in the establishment of the National Army, and June 26 was declared as Armed Forces Day.

With the decrees and orders of President Ilham Aliyev, who has successfully implemented the strategic policy of the great leader in the field of army building, the process of creating a modern military industrial complex and improving personnel training for the Armed Forces is being successfully implemented.

In the history of Azerbaijan, whose past is rich in victories, the day of the creation of the Armed Forces is being celebrated with a great victory for the third year.

On September 27, 2020, victory over the enemy was achieved as a result of the counter-offensive operations launched by the brave Azerbaijani Army under the leadership of Supreme Commander Muzaffar for the liberation of our occupied lands. Thus, the Second Karabakh War, which lasted 44 days, was written in golden letters in the history of Azerbaijan under the name of the Patriotic War. Thanks to the bravery, selflessness, as well as initiative and determination of the Azerbaijani soldier who fulfilled his military tasks and duties on the battlefield, our lands under occupation were liberated and the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan was ensured.

The Azerbaijani soldier has freed the lands under the enemy's occupation from occupation for a period of nearly thirty years, at the expense of his blood and life. The great victory won by the people, state and soldiers of Azerbaijan is the result of many years of reforms in the direction of building the army. This victory won by Azerbaijan is the result of the successful policy, strong will and determination of the victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, who knows what to do, how and when.

Today, the Azerbaijani Army has become a strong army as a result of the special attention and care of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Ilham Aliyev, and is included in the list of the 50 strongest armies in the world according to international rankings. The arsenal of the Azerbaijani Army has the most powerful modern weapons and equipment. The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have new unmanned aerial vehicles, attack drones and other military equipment.

Great measures have been taken to strengthen the defense capability and security of our country. In addition, reforms in the army and the creation of new commando brigades are indicators of the attention paid by the top management to the defense of our country for the sake of the safe living of our people. The creation of the Lachin border checkpoint on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border two months ago is an indicator of the strength of the Azerbaijani Army.