Azerbaijan is celebrating Armed Forces Day on June 26, marking 108 years since the establishment of the country's national military.

The foundations of Azerbaijan’s armed forces were laid on June 26, 1918, when the government of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic created the first regular military unit, known as the Separate Corps. Prominent military leaders, including Samad bey Mehmandarov and Aliagha Shikhlinski, played a key role in building and reforming the young army, The Caspian Post reports.

Following the restoration of independence in 1991, Azerbaijan faced major challenges in the military sphere. The country lacked a regular army and struggled to manage the conflict in Karabakh, while also dealing with serious logistical and technical shortcomings.

In response, Azerbaijan gradually mobilized national resources to establish a professional military force. Important steps were taken to transition from volunteer battalions to a regular army, while improvements were made in mobilization and conscription. A military parade held in Baku on October 9, 1992, became a symbol of growing patriotism and public confidence in the armed forces.

A decisive phase in military development began in late 1993 under the leadership of national leader Heydar Aliyev. Illegal armed groups were disbanded, unified military command was established, and the foundations of a regular army were strengthened. The 1994 ceasefire with Armenia enabled Azerbaijan to focus on modernizing its military capabilities.

In 1998, Heydar Aliyev officially designated June 26 as Armed Forces Day, reaffirming the importance of national military traditions.

Under President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has continued large-scale military reforms, investing in defense modernization, personnel training, and the development of a domestic defense industry.

The Azerbaijani Armed Forces played a central role in the 2020 Second Karabakh War, launched on September 27. The 44-day conflict resulted in the restoration of Azerbaijan’s control over territories that had been under occupation, a milestone widely regarded as one of the most significant events in the country’s modern history.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched local anti-terror measures in the Karabakh region to ensure the implementation of the trilateral agreements, neutralize military infrastructure, and restore full constitutional order. The operation lasted just over 23 hours and concluded with the surrender of opposing forces.

Today, Armed Forces Day serves as a tribute to Azerbaijani servicemen and women whose sacrifices and service have shaped the country's military history.