Day of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan (26/06)

Day of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan (Azerbaijan). Azərbaycan Respublikası Silahlı Qüvvələri günü) — the professional holiday of all military personnel of the Republic — is celebrated in the country annually on June 26.

On this day in 1918, by decision of the government of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which was the first republic in the Muslim East, a regular army unit — Separate Azerbaijani Corps was created.

This decision was the legal basis for the creation of the Armed Forces. From the very first days, units of the Azerbaijani army fought heavy battles throughout almost the entire territory of the country. The Azerbaijani army has become the most reliable guarantor of the independence of the Republic and its people, who have made a choice to create a democratic state.

Today, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan (National Army of Azerbaijan) consist of ground forces, air and naval forces, air defense forces, special forces, as well as a number of other paramilitary structures.

The commander-in-chief of the National Army of Azerbaijan is its president. Administrative management of the Armed Forces is carried out by the Ministry of Defense, and operational management is carried out by the General Staff. In total, the strength of the National Army of Azerbaijan is more than 126 thousand people.

After gaining independence, according to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev dated May 22, 1998, this historical day — June 26 — was declared the Day of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, which is annually celebrated by the Azerbaijani people and is a non-working day. And in Baku, a military parade is being held in honor of the holiday.

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