Baku: Weapons systems, equipment, and aviation vehicles displayed at the parade in Baku are a clear demonstration of Azerbaijan’s military power. The Azerbaijani Army is the most powerful and technologically advanced military force in the South Caucasus. Although Azerbaijan, which had just regained its independence in the early 1990s, had limited military capabilities, the army has risen to a completely new level as a result of large-scale reforms, the renewal of its military equipment fleet, and the application of modern technologies.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the equipment of the Azerbaijani Army ranks at the forefront in the region in terms of quantity, quality, and compliance with modern combat concepts. Thanks to modern technologies, professional military personnel, national production potential, and strategic partnerships, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan maintain a high level of combat readiness. This strength not only enhances the country’s defense capabilities but also further solidifies Azerbaijan’s role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The equipment displayed during the military parade in Baku dedicated to the fifth anniversary of Victory in the Patriotic War clearly reflects the Azerbaijani Armed Forces’ multifaceted, modern, and integrated combat potential. The parade showcased a wide spectrum-from armored vehicles to long-range missile complexes, from air defense systems to high-precision unmanned aerial vehicles, and artillery systems. This diversity enables the army to effectively carry out both defensive and operational-tactical offensive functions simultaneously.
APA presents information about the military equipment, weapon systems, and aviation assets displayed during the military parade in Baku dedicated to the fifth anniversary of Victory in the Patriotic War.
Special-purpose automotive equipment and armored vehicles were prominently featured. The ‘SandCat-Stormer’ armored command and rapid maneuver vehicles, equipped with 12.7 mm NSV machine guns, anti-tank guided ‘SPIKE-ER’ missiles, and 120 mm ‘SPEAR’ mortars, highlight the Azerbaijani Army’s focus on agility and mobility. Other notable vehicles included the ‘VASHAG’ special operations vehicles, ‘COBRA-II’ armored medical evacuation vehicles, and ‘Land Rover-110’ special-purpose patrol vehicles, among others.
Air defense systems were also on display, including the ‘S-125 TM’, ‘BUK-MB’, ‘ILDIRIM-8’, and ‘S-300 FAVORIT’ surface-to-air missile systems, reflecting Azerbaijan’s multi-layered airspace defense capabilities. The newly adopted ‘VIKING’ multifunctional mobile combat system and the ‘HQ-9’ long-range surface-to-air missile system further emphasize the country’s defense prowess.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other unmanned systems showcased Azerbaijan’s new tactical capabilities in reconnaissance-strike missions and naval operations. Featured UAVs included the ‘Orbiter-1KM’, ‘Bayraktar-TB2’, and ‘Harop’, alongside the newly adopted ‘Hero-120’ loitering munitions and ‘KAYRA’ kamikaze-type surface maritime vehicles.
Missile and artillery systems were a source of pride during the parade, with systems like the 120 mm ‘Vena’ self-propelled mortar, 152 mm ‘Akasiya’ artillery system, and the newly adopted 155 mm ‘NORA’ and ‘DITA’ self-propelled artillery systems being highlighted. The inclusion of systems like the 300 mm ‘Smer§’ multiple launch rocket system and the ‘LORA’ operational-tactical missile complex showcased the depth of Azerbaijan’s firepower.
The aviation segment included demonstration flights by Azerbaijani and Turkish pilots, with MI-17 helicopters carrying national flags and the portrait of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. Aircraft such as the JF-17 multirole fighter jets, F-16 fighter jets from the Turkish Air Force, and the modernized SU-25-Lachin attack aircraft were part of the aerial display.
Warships and boats in the Caspian Sea were also demonstrated, emphasizing Azerbaijan’s strategic control capabilities in regional waters. The participation of 5,000 Azerbaijani personnel, alongside Turkish and Pakistani forces, underscored the international collaboration and strength of the Azerbaijani military. The parade featured 50 Azerbaijani aircraft, 5 Turkish aircraft, and a variety of military vehicles and systems.