For the first time, military personnel from Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan have trained together in a large-scale exercise designed to address the shifting security landscape of the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The 'Power of Unity-2026' drills, held in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region, brought together more than 3,500 troops to rehearse responses to threats ranging from drone swarms to cyberattacks and maritime incidents.
The exercise took place across several training areas, including the Qızılqaya range in the Hojavend district, as well as sites near Baku, Nakhchivan, and Azerbaijan's Caspian Sea coastline. Over the course of the drills, forces deployed more than 130 unmanned aerial vehicles, over 70 armoured vehicles, more than 90 artillery systems, and over 20 aviation assets, according to Azerbaijani defence officials.
Modern warfare takes centre stage
The scenarios reflected the lessons of recent conflicts, with a heavy emphasis on drone warfare. Troops practised repelling drone swarm attacks, striking advancing columns, conducting surveillance, and using unmanned systems to deliver ammunition and supplies. These drills were integrated with artillery, armoured units, aviation, and electronic warfare, allowing forces to practise breaching defensive positions, clearing minefields, and advancing under fire.
Beyond conventional battlefield tactics, the exercise introduced challenges that have become increasingly relevant in modern conflicts. Soldiers responded to simulated cyberattacks and online disinformation campaigns, conducted operations against 'terrorist' positions in mountainous terrain, and practised clearing settlements and establishing checkpoints. Drones were also used to detect and intercept attempted border crossings.
Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler underscored the importance of readiness, stating: "We will prepare in the best possible way, but we will live in peace." He praised the exercise for its "success in both its planning and execution." His Azerbaijani counterpart, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, noted that the drills included land, naval, and air operations, which he said help raise the combat readiness of the participating armies. Uzbekistan's Defence Minister, Lieutenant General Shukhrat Kholmukhamedov, said the personnel demonstrated "high combat readiness" and the ability to carry out missions together.
From the border to the Caspian Sea
The scenarios extended beyond land operations, with forces practising the liberation of a vessel and an offshore facility in the Caspian Sea, rescuing hostages, and landing to neutralise a simulated terrorist base. This maritime dimension reflects the strategic importance of the Caspian region and the growing cooperation among the three nations.
Azerbaijan and Turkey describe their defence relationship as an alliance under the 2021 Shusha Declaration, and the two countries have deepened their military ties in recent years. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have also expanded cooperation in defence technology and military education. The exercise was observed by delegations from Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Serbia, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Georgia, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran.
Following the drills, the defence ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia held their 13th trilateral meeting in Shusha. The talks, which included Georgia's Vice Prime Minister and Defence Minister Irakli Chikovani, focused on military cooperation, regional security, and trilateral ties. The meeting underscored the growing web of security partnerships across the region, as countries seek to navigate a volatile geopolitical environment.
The 'Power of Unity-2026' exercise marks a significant step in the military integration of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan, reflecting a shared interest in addressing contemporary threats. As drone technology and cyber warfare continue to reshape the battlefield, such joint training is likely to become a more regular feature of regional defence cooperation.
