Zakir Hasanov (Azerbaijani: Zakir Əsgər oğlu Həsənov) is a prominent Azerbaijani military commander and statesman serving as the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan since October 2013, holding the military rank of Colonel General. He has played a decisive role in the large-scale modernization, restructuring, and enhancement of the combat readiness of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, as well as in the strategic planning and execution of military operations to restore the territorial integrity of the nation.
Family and Background: Zakir Asgar oglu Hasanov was born on June 6, 1959, in the Astara region of the Azerbaijan SSR. In 1976, he graduated from the specialized Jamshid Nakhchivanski Military Lyceum in Baku.
Higher Military Command School: In 1980, he successfully graduated from the Baku Higher Combined-Arms Command School, earning a qualification as an officer with a higher command and engineering background.
Stationing in Germany and Siberia: From 1980 to 1985, Hasanov served in the ranks of the Soviet Armed Forces as part of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany. Between 1985 and 1993, he continued his service in the Siberian Military Command and completed advanced academic command courses under the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the USSR.
State Security Structures: From 1993 to 2003, he served within the Main Directorate for State Border Protection under the Ministry of National Security (later restructured into the State Border Service) of Azerbaijan, overseeing international relations and border cooperation matters.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs: In January 2003, by presidential decree, Hasanov was appointed Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and Commander of the Internal Troops. On this post, he carried out comprehensive reforms to elevate combat training, enforce strict discipline, and re-equip the Internal Troops in accordance with modern standards, receiving the military rank of Lieutenant General in 2005.
Ministerial Appointment: On October 22, 2013, Zakir Hasanov was appointed Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with the concurrent assignment of the highest military rank of Colonel General.
Army Modernization: Under his leadership, the Azerbaijani military underwent a thorough overhaul: modern command-and-control standards were integrated, technical cooperation with leading global defense manufacturers was expanded (introducing advanced uncrewed aerial vehicles, precision-strike systems, and modern communications), and branch structures were optimized.
Patriotic War (2020) and Post-Conflict Period: Zakir Hasanov directly commanded the operational deployment of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces during the 44-day Patriotic War in the autumn of 2020, which culminated in the liberation of Azerbaijan's occupied territories. In the post-conflict era, he oversees the large-scale construction of military infrastructure in the liberated lands, the fortifying of state borders, and the continuous enhancement of strategic readiness.
For his dedicated service to the state and distinguished military leadership, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov has been decorated with numerous high orders and medals, including the Order of Zafar (Victory), the Order of Karabakh, the Azerbaijan Flag Order, and the 1st Degree Order of Rashadat (Courage).
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