Azerbaijan and Türkiye have commenced preparations for the "Heydar Aliyev-2026" joint exercises scheduled to take place in Kars, featuring a formal state flag exchange ceremony as part of bilateral military cooperation. According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the Ministry of Defense reported that the event marks the initial phase of the strategic maneuvers between the two brotherly nations.
The ceremony began with a flag platoon departing from the headquarters of the Separate Combined Arms Army in Nakhchivan, marching toward the "Umid" (Hope) bridge over the Araz River at the Sadarak border checkpoint. Simultaneously, a Turkish flag platoon advanced from Kars to the meeting point. Following the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Independence March of the Republic of Türkiye, the symbolic exchange of flags was conducted on the bridge.
During the send-off ceremony for the personnel and military equipment, the Commander of the Separate Combined Arms Army, Lieutenant General Kanan Seyidov, emphasized the strategic importance of the joint drills and wished the participants success. The primary objective of the exercise is to plan and execute joint operations in accordance with modern combat principles, enhance coordination, exchange experience in comprehensive combat support, and improve the professional skills of the military personnel.
These exercises reflect the deepening military alliance between Baku and Ankara, solidified by the 2021 Shusha Declaration. Such joint maneuvers are held regularly to ensure regional stability and increase the interoperability of the two countries' armed forces. The "Heydar Aliyev" series of exercises, named after Azerbaijan's National Leader, serves as a cornerstone for tactical synchronization and defense readiness in the South Caucasus region.
