Joint military exercises "Unity Force – 2026" involving servicemen from Azerbaijan, Turkey and Uzbekistan have commenced at the "Qizilgaya" training center in Azerbaijan's Karabakh economic region. The Uzbek Defense Ministry reported this.

According to the report, the exercises involve military personnel from the defense ministries of the three countries, combat equipment, naval forces and aviation assets, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles. The three-stage drills will take place at the "Qizilgaya" training center, the "Qarabaghlar" training center in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and the "Buyuk Zira" training ground in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea.

"The main goal is to increase the level of readiness for joint operations, improve interoperability of troops and standardize training procedures, as well as develop the combat capabilities of units," the statement said. The Turkish National Defense Ministry announced that the exercises began on September 21 and will conclude on October 1.

"The purpose of the exercise is to combat hybrid threats, plan and conduct joint operations with the armed forces of partner countries," the ministry added. These exercises are aimed at strengthening military cooperation in the region and developing strategic ties between the three countries.

It should be noted that the "Unity Force – 2026" exercises represent a new stage of defense cooperation between Azerbaijan, Turkey and Uzbekistan, which will further serve to coordinate joint operations and enhance the ability to counter hybrid threats.

Source: www.gazeta.uz