Trilateral Military Drills “Power of Unity-2026” Test Modern Warfare Readiness in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan jointly conducted large-scale military simulations in Azerbaijan, rehearsing responses to modern threats such as mass drone strikes, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and maritime vessel seizures. This unprecedented joint exercise highlighted the evolving geopolitical challenges facing the militaries of the three nations.

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Over 3,500 military personnel from Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan participated in the “Power of Unity-2026” drills, which were hosted for the first time in the Hojavend district of Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region.

Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler emphasized the importance of maintaining high military readiness, stating, “We will prepare in the best possible way, but we will live in peace,” while praising the planning and execution of the joint exercise.

The comprehensive simulated training encompassed a wide spectrum of modern conflict scenarios, ranging from drone warfare and electronic attacks to border incidents and maritime operations, reflecting a new approach to military preparedness.

At the Qızılqaya military training grounds, troops deployed more than 130 unmanned vehicles, over 70 armored vehicles, more than 90 artillery systems, and over 20 aviation assets.

Drones played a central role in the exercises, reflecting the evolving nature of modern warfare. Troops practiced countering drone swarm attacks, executing strikes on advancing columns, conducting surveillance, and delivering critical ammunition and supplies via unmanned systems.

The drills integrated unmanned systems with artillery, armored vehicles, aviation, and electronic warfare capabilities. Additionally, troops practiced breaching defensive positions and anti-tank trenches, clearing minefields, and coordinating advances with armored vehicles.

Beyond the conventional battlefield

The training also addressed non-traditional challenges that are rarely featured in conventional military scenarios, preparing forces for hybrid warfare tactics.

Troops responded to simulated cyberattacks and online disinformation campaigns, conducted operations against simulated terrorist positions in mountainous terrain, cleared settlements, and established checkpoints.

Training also involved utilizing drone surveillance to detect and intercept attempted unauthorized border crossings.

Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, stated that the exercise encompassed land, naval, and air operations designed to enhance the combat readiness of all participating armies.

Uzbekistan’s Defence Minister, Lieutenant General Shukhrat Kholmukhamedov, noted that the participating personnel demonstrated high combat readiness and seamless interoperability during joint missions.

From the border to the Caspian Sea

The training scenarios extended beyond land operations to the Caspian Sea, where forces practiced maritime interdiction, including freeing a seized vessel and offshore facility, rescuing hostages, and executing amphibious landings to neutralize a simulated terrorist base.

The exercise was conducted across multiple strategic locations, including training areas in Baku, the Karabakh region, Nakhchivan, and Azerbaijan’s sector of the Caspian Sea.

Azerbaijan and Turkey characterize their defense relationship as an alliance under the 2021 Shusha Declaration. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have significantly expanded bilateral cooperation in defense technology, military education, and joint strategic initiatives.

Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Serbia, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Georgia, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran attended the major exercise as official observers.

From Qızılqaya to Shusha

The military exercise was followed by a high-level trilateral meeting of the defense ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia, held in the city of Shusha.

Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, Türkiye’s National Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, and Georgia’s Vice Prime Minister and Defence Minister Irakli Chikovani attended the 13th trilateral defense meeting, focusing on military cooperation, regional security, and strengthening trilateral ties.

Hasanov described Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey cooperation as “an important platform for regional stability, security, and development”.

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