By Asim Mustafayev
The idea of establishing a Türkiye military base in Azerbaijan periodically emerges in media discussions, stirring considerable debate. However, in practice, such a base is not only unnecessary but also contrary to the interests of Azerbaijan and the geopolitical balance in the South Caucasus. Analyzing the reasons behind this reveals why Azerbaijan, with its successful history of military cooperation with Türkiye, can ensure its security and stability without such infrastructure.
A History of Azerbaijani-Türkiye Military Cooperation
The collaboration between Azerbaijan and Türkiye began as soon as Azerbaijan regained independence in 1992. Türkiye was among the first nations to offer assistance in modernizing the young republic's military forces. Over the past three decades, this partnership has yielded remarkable results, transforming Azerbaijan's army into a highly capable and modernized force.
Thanks to Türkiye's military expertise, the Azerbaijani army has achieved high standards of combat readiness. Modern approaches to military operations planning, situational analysis, and intelligence development have been effectively integrated into Azerbaijani defense structures. Türkiye’s support has enabled Azerbaijan to build a robust and independent military force capable of addressing emerging challenges on its own.
This collaborative effort includes the training of Azerbaijani military personnel, modernization of equipment, and the implementation of NATO-standard methodologies, which Türkiye has extensive experience with as a NATO member. These initiatives have resulted in an army that not only meets modern military standards but also aligns with Türkiye’s strategic doctrines, ensuring smooth operational coordination between the two nations.
A key component of this cooperation is the regular joint military exercises. Held over ten times annually-split between Azerbaijani and Türkiye territory-these drills serve as a practical demonstration of mutual readiness and strengthen interoperability between the armed forces. This ongoing collaboration highlights that a permanent foreign base is unnecessary when such deep and comprehensive military ties already exist.
The 2021 Declaration of Alliance: A Pillar of Stability
The 2021 Declaration of Alliance between Türkiye and Azerbaijan is a cornerstone document outlining the framework of their strategic partnership. The declaration explicitly commits both nations to mutual military assistance in the face of external threats or aggression. This guarantees that Türkiye would provide Azerbaijan with full support if needed, and vice versa. This robust framework eliminates the strategic need for a Türkiye military base in Azerbaijan.
The declaration ensures a high level of security without requiring additional, costly infrastructure. Modern military capabilities, such as rapid deployment forces and advanced logistical systems, allow Türkiye to provide immediate assistance to Azerbaijan if necessary. The presence of such a base would not significantly enhance security but might instead create new challenges by drawing unnecessary attention to Azerbaijan’s geopolitical position.
Furthermore, the symbolic and strategic value of the alliance is underscored by the seamless cooperation seen during the Second Karabakh War in 2020. Türkiye’s support, particularly in terms of strategic advice, drone technology, and military equipment, played a crucial role in Azerbaijan’s success. This demonstrated that direct assistance, rather than the permanent presence of military infrastructure, is the most effective way for Türkiye to contribute to Azerbaijan’s security.
Regional Context: Maintaining Balance and Stability
The South Caucasus is a region where the interests of multiple powers-Russia, Türkiye, Iran, and Western nations-intersect. Any disruption to the balance of power risks escalating tensions. Establishing a Türkiye base in Azerbaijan would not only challenge neighboring countries but could also destabilize the entire region.
Azerbaijan conducts a pragmatic foreign policy rooted in balanced relations with all key players. Establishing a permanent Türkiye military base could be perceived as provocative, particularly by Russia and Iran. This would likely result in increased pressure on Baku, contradicting Azerbaijan’s national interests and undermining its carefully maintained regional balance.
It is also important to consider the broader regional dynamics. The South Caucasus is already burdened with unresolved territorial disputes and strained inter-state relations. Introducing a permanent military installation could exacerbate existing tensions, further complicating Azerbaijan’s ability to act as a stabilizing force in the region.
Azerbaijan and Türkiye: A Model of Successful Partnership
Azerbaijan and Türkiye have already demonstrated that effective military cooperation does not require permanent bases. Joint annual exercises, close collaboration between military institutions, and continuous knowledge-sharing sustain a high level of readiness. Türkiye’s support has played a pivotal role in strengthening Azerbaijan’s defense capabilities, particularly in adapting to modern challenges.
Moreover, Türkiye has contributed significantly to Azerbaijan’s ability to independently manage its defense needs. This includes investments in domestic military production and joint ventures aimed at reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. For example, Türkiye has supported Azerbaijan in establishing its own drone production capabilities, a critical factor in modern military strategy.
Establishing a permanent base would require significant financial and organizational resources, which could be better allocated toward infrastructure development, the modernization of existing military facilities, or further expanding the country’s defense industry. These investments offer long-term benefits that a single foreign military base cannot match.
Adapting to a Changing Global Order
The modern world is witnessing the erosion of post-World War II norms. While military strength remains a key factor, diplomacy and adaptability continue to be essential for ensuring security. Azerbaijan has embraced these changes, focusing on bolstering its military capabilities and nurturing strategic alliances.
The current era demands not just military readiness but also a capacity for nuanced diplomacy. Azerbaijan has demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of these requirements by fostering strong relationships with a variety of global and regional powers, including Türkiye, Russia, and the European Union. This balanced approach has allowed Baku to maintain its sovereignty and independence while advancing its national interests.
Establishing a Türkiye base in Azerbaijan might serve as a symbolic gesture, but strategically, it could lead to more challenges than benefits. The high level of coordination and mutual trust between Azerbaijan and Türkiye already provides both nations with confidence in an unstable global environment.
A Türkiye military base in Azerbaijan is unnecessary. The decades-long partnership between the two nations, their strategic alliance, and mutual commitments already provide a robust framework for security and stability without additional military installations. For Azerbaijan, maintaining regional balance, strengthening its military, and fostering diplomatic ties are far more critical than investing in infrastructure with limited strategic value.
Modern challenges demand rational solutions, and Azerbaijan has shown that it can navigate these complexities by relying on its own capabilities and the support of strategic partners. The country’s focus on building a strong, independent military and maintaining balanced international relations ensures that its national security is well-protected without the need for additional bases.
