On June 26, 1918, the first regular military unit – detached Azerbaijan corps was created upon the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan. This decision laid the foundation of the formation of army of the first democratic government in the East of Muslim. Unfortunately, the national army was annulled after the occupation in April 1920. After the collapse of Soviet Union, Azerbaijan regained independence and adopted decision on the creation of the national army on October 9, 1991 upon the reference of the Supreme Soviet. The decree Heydar Aliyev signed on May 22, 1998 declared June 26, the day of creation of the first detached Azerbaijan corps in 1918 under the leadership of Semed bey Mehmandarov, the Day of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This date is annually celebrated as an official holiday.

Large-scale reforms started in the field of formation of army after ceasefire was declared on May 12, 1994. Formation of military units, types of troops was completed soon, all problems in the sphere of conscription, desertion solved, morally healthy officers holding statehood and military oath higher than everything, having honor of being a serviceman involved in management of military units. Attention to the moral-psychological training and battle spirit of staff was lifted, military patriotic work strengthened. Centralized logistics of the army was significantly improved, financial-economic activity adjusted. Laws necessary for the very different spheres of formation of army were adopted, perfect legislative basis of the armed forces created. 

Today, Azerbaijan’s National Army, which is considered the most modern army in Caucasus, consists of Air and Air Defense, Navy and Land forces. These types of armed forces can fight a potential enemy with fighter and bomber aircrafts. Within the framework of the CIS Azerbaijan is considered one of the most powerful countries in respect of its air defense forces. As result of the dynamic development of our country in the past years the budget of the armed forces increases and our army is reinforced. The fighting capacity of the army has been enhanced, logistics significantly strengthened, important steps taken towards improvement of social status of servicemen. 

One of the key challenges on today’s agenda is modernization of the armed forces and involvement of the latest military technologies in the army. Magnificent military parades arranged over the past years demonstrate the power, potential and modernization of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan. These parades once again prove the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have become even stronger army able to liberate our occupied territories anytime. 
 
Naila Mammadova, 
“Azerbaijan Realities”