British military experts analyze Armenian and Azeri militaries

The London International Institute for Strategic Studies published a report on militaries around the world in 2012. Among other topics, it provided a survey of the defense forces of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

According to the report, due to strained relations with Azerbaijan, Armenia’s armed forces are primarily concentrated on protecting its territory, although Armenia participates in international peacekeeping operations in order to gain experience. The report also mentioned that Armenia’s military doctrine shows the direct influence of Russia (its airspace is controlled by the Russian air force), even as the country welcomes military observers from NATO partner nations.

As for the Azeri armed forces, the Institute concludes that the country needs to transition its military away from the Soviet model. Its expenditures have increased due to oil revenue, with the Azeri government purchasing modern armaments, although the military itself needs to be modernized. Azerbaijan faces problems in the air defense sphere, but they are cooperating with Turkey.