Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijan's President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev closely watched the exercise of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.

The joint operational and tactical exercise of the Ministry of Defense, Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and units and detachments of the State Border Service was held on the occasion of the 96th anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan on June 26, AzerTag news agency reported.

President Aliyev watched the main stage of the exercise, which featured using tactical and military equipment by the army's units and detachments.

Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov briefed President Aliyev on different aspects of the drill.

President Aliyev viewed the general plan of the exercise sites as well as military hardware and samples of personnel uniform and food.

The exercise involved a total of 4,000 people, 80 tanks, nearly 100 armored vehicles, nearly 80 artillery systems, 10 fighting jets, nearly 20 military and transport helicopters.

Following the exercise, President Aliyev addressed the servicemen.

The Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Aliyev presented orders, medals and gifts on the occasion of Day of Armed Forces to a group of servicemen who had good performance during the service.

The history of the modern Azerbaijani army dates back to the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in the early 20th century. The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan Republic were created on June 26, 1918 to protect the country from the military aggressions of Armenia and Russia.

Day of the Armed Forces is annually celebrated on June 26 in Azerbaijan, in accordance with a relevant decree issued by the former President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev.

The Azerbaijani army is a professional and the most powerful army in the South Caucasus region. The skills and combat readiness of the Azerbaijani army are growing year on year. The army building process in Azerbaijan is progressing as well.