Military expert: Azerbaijani army is one of the best in the post-Soviet space

Russian journalist, military expert, editor-in-chief of the National Defense magazine Igor Korotchenko spoke about Azerbaijan's military power, cooperation with Russia, and the purchase of new types of weapons in an exclusive interview with the Russian Bureau of Report.

- How do you assess the positive changes observed in the Azerbaijani Armed forces in recent years?

Thanks to the President and Supreme Commander-in-chief efforts of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani army has significantly strengthened its combat potential in recent years and purchased the latest types of weapons at its disposal. Currently, the Azerbaijani army is one of the best in the post-Soviet space. It is a well-equipped, capable military force with high-morale that reliably ensures Azerbaijan's security and is ready to fend off any threats. Notably, the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan regularly conducts military exercises, which results are used to assess the current state of combat readiness of military units, and the effectiveness of the headquarters. We observe that the military organization of Azerbaijan is continually improving. Russian military supplies to Azerbaijan are also an essential factor.

In recent years, Russia has supplied Azerbaijan with modern high-precision weapons worth about $ 5 billion. There were reports that Azerbaijan was also in talks to acquire a batch of contemporary multi-role fighters from Russia. It was probably Su-35. The desire to modernize provides Azerbaijan with a stable position and growing authority. During one of my trips to Azerbaijan, I was on the front line. I can say that the level of support for Azerbaijani soldiers is very high. Generally, the Azerbaijani army looks very worthy today, and this is a great merit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

- What can be done to strengthen and further develop military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia?

- First of all, there is a need to conduct joint naval exercises in the Caspian Sea. Such joint exercises would be a good step. We also need constant consultations at the level of Defense Ministers and Chief of the General Staff of Russia and Azerbaijan to assess security issues and neutralize possible crises and conflicts comprehensively. Further, it would be possible to talk about the exercises in the format of dealing with terrorist threats. It is also a significant area of activity. Finally, an expert dialogue is especially crucial, and it can be conducted at the level of independent experts from military and political centers and research structures in Russia and Azerbaijan.

- Recently, a military solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem is not ruled out. How do you assess the potential of the Azerbaijani army in this situation?

- The April war showed that the Azerbaijani army is capable of rapid, non-standard actions and effective offensive operations. During this war, the Azerbaijani side liberated a significant part of the previously occupied territories. Russia, of course, supports a political settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Moreover, the military factor is essential for Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan's military potential is exceptionally high.

Meanwhile, there are several areas where Azerbaijan should significantly increase its capabilities. First of all, these are the issues of air defense. We see that Armenia is changing its military doctrine, and this doctrine also provides for preventive strikes. It means that Azerbaijan may fall into a situation where, during the next military-political aggravation, Armenia may resort to the tactics of attempting attacks against key targets of Azerbaijan.

In these conditions, a reliable air defense system becomes vital. Therefore, I believe that Azerbaijan faces the task of purchasing two sets of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, in addition to the S-300 already available in Azerbaijan. Moreover, it is necessary to cover the essential objects with short-range complexes.

Azerbaijan's reliable air defense system is also necessary to counter any air threats against oil and gas production facilities. The experience of Saudi Arabia shows that if the air defense system is ineffective, the consequences of strikes even by drones and cruise missiles can have disastrous consequences. Considering that the export of energy resources is one of the most important export items of Azerbaijan's income, investing in air defense systems is necessary to fend any risks from any country and forces that could damage the country.