Turkey–Azerbaijan Military Partnership
The 2010 Agreement on Strategic Partnership and Mutual Support (ASPM) formalized Turkey’s role as Azerbaijan’s primary security guarantor, ensuring mutual defense commitments, joint military training, and defense industry collaboration in one of the closest military alliances in the Post-Soviet world. The agreement played a critical role in Azerbaijan’s victory in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War, showcasing the depth of Turkish-Azerbaijani military cooperation and solidifying Turkey’s influence in the South Caucasus region.
History
- Post-Soviet Military Alignment (1991–2000s): After Azerbaijan’s independence from the Soviet Union, Turkey quickly became its key military partner, providing training and defense assistance.
- Strategic Military Pact (2010): The Agreement on Strategic Partnership and Mutual Support established a formal mutual defense clause, requiring Turkey and Azerbaijan to assist each other in case of external aggression.
- Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict & Turkish Military Support (2020): Turkey provided drones, military advisors, and strategic planning assistance during Azerbaijan’s successful campaign against Armenian forces, reshaping the region’s balance of power.
Key Characteristics
- Mutual Defense & Military Cooperation: Article 2 of the ASPM Agreement commits both nations to military support if either faces external aggression. Turkish Armed Forces provide extensive military training to Azerbaijani forces, shaping Azerbaijan’s military into a modernized, NATO-interoperable force.
- Joint Military Exercises & Force Integration: Regular Joint Drills: Turkey and Azerbaijan conduct annual large-scale military exercises, such as TurAz Qartalı (Turkish-Azerbaijani Eagle) and Winter Exercises in Kars. Cross-Border Deployment Capabilities: Azerbaijani forces are trained in Turkish military academies, ensuring doctrinal and operational alignment.
- Defense Industry & Technology Transfer: Turkey has supplied Bayraktar TB2 drones, which proved decisive in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. Joint defense projects include cooperation in missile technology, armored vehicles, and artillery systems. Azerbaijan is increasing its participation in Turkish-led defense initiatives, enhancing regional security coordination.
Strategic Importance
- South Caucasus Security & Regional Dominance: Turkey’s backing solidifies Azerbaijan’s military superiority in the Caucasus, weakening Armenian and Russian influence in the region.
- Defense Industry Growth & Technological Advancements: The alliance has transformed Azerbaijan into a rapidly modernizing military power, benefiting from Turkish military-industrial expertise.
- Energy & Geopolitical Leverage: The security of Azerbaijani energy pipelines (e.g., Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan) is critical for Turkey and Europe, reinforcing mutual security interests.
Links
- Agreement on Strategic Partnership and Mutual Support (2010)
- Turkey’s Military Support in the Nagorno-Karabakh War (2020)
- TurAz Qartalı & Joint Military Exercises