The 44-day Patriotic War, which began in September 2020, was a historic test of Azerbaijan’s military strength, political will and national solidarity. Six years ago, the Azerbaijani Army achieved a great Victory that resulted in the liberation of territories that had remained under occupation for many years. This Victory was not merely the result of military operations. It was underpinned by years of army-building efforts, the strengthening of defense capabilities, the acquisition of modern weapons and technologies, and, most importantly, the combination of strength with political will.

 

Today, six years after that war, Azerbaijan faces a different geopolitical reality. Territorial integrity and sovereignty have been fully restored, large-scale reconstruction is underway in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, and a peace agenda with Armenia has taken shape. However, changing political realities do not diminish the importance of security. On the contrary, ongoing wars and growing geopolitical tensions around the world make the continuous strengthening of defense capabilities a necessity for every state.

It is precisely in this context that the message delivered by President Ilham Aliyev in his speech at the 8th Congress of the New Azerbaijan Party is noteworthy. The head of state said that one of the main tasks for the coming period is to strengthen the country’s military capabilities.

“First and foremost, one of the main tasks is to increase our military strength. One might ask: we have achieved a glorious Victory, Armenia was forced to sign an act of capitulation. Today, there is no conflict or war between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and there is calm along the borders. The peace agreement has been initialed, and there are already contacts. Azerbaijan has even started trading with Armenia. Why is this necessary? I think the answer is quite clear. This is always necessary for every country. Because our people have experienced this tragedy. Our people have experienced the ingratitude of the Armenians”.

History shows that security cannot be ensured through political statements alone. Azerbaijan’s experience of 30 years of occupation also confirms this. In 2020, the combination of military strength and political will enabled Azerbaijan to accomplish the key historic task before it—the restoration of its territorial integrity.

Another important point emphasized in the President’s speech is that there is no war between Azerbaijan and Armenia today, the peace agreement has been initialed, and relations have entered a new stage. However, none of this means that Azerbaijan’s defense capabilities should be weakened. On the contrary, according to the head of state’s approach, the country’s military superiority must be maintained even in conditions of peace.

Six years after the Victory, the task facing Azerbaijan is to safeguard the achievements that have been secured, further strengthen the state’s defense capabilities, and remain prepared for new security realities.