The article titled Turkey And Israel Upgrade Azerbaijan’s Russian Military Hardware was published in Forbes on October 9, where the author, Paul Iddon, analyzes Azerbaijan’s modernization of Soviet military equipment with the help of technologies from Turkey and Israel.
The author points out that at the international defense industry exhibition ADEX, held in Baku in September 2024, Azerbaijan presented upgraded Su-25s and T-72s, which, despite their age, remain a vital part of Azerbaijan’s arsenal thanks to the updates carried out by Turkish and Israeli defense companies. These upgrades allowed the integration of modern weaponry, including guided bombs and cruise missiles, significantly enhancing Azerbaijan’s capabilities in both air and ground operations.
In the article, it is also noted that the modernization of the Su-25s, carried out by the Turkish company TUSAS, not only introduced new weapon systems but also upgraded the avionics, making the aircraft more combat-effective. These planes can now deploy Turkish guided bombs and even cruise missiles, giving Azerbaijan the ability to conduct long-range strikes and increase its tactical flexibility. The modernization also ensures compatibility with Turkish munitions, further strengthening the cooperation between the armed forces of Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Regarding the T-72s, the Israeli company Elbit Systems conducted substantial upgrades, enhancing the tanks’ protection through new active defense systems and armor. The tanks were equipped with anti-drone screens and lattice structures designed to protect against aerial attacks. Modern fire control and targeting systems were also installed, making the T-72s more effective in combat situations. The article highlights that the modernization took into account recent combat experience from the war in Ukraine, where drones played a critical role.
The author also points out that despite Azerbaijan’s close ties with Israel, the modernization of the Su-25s was entrusted to Turkey, while the T-72s were upgraded by Israel’s Elbit Systems. This decision may be explained by Baku’s desire to enhance the operational compatibility of its armed forces with Turkey’s military, aligning with a broader political goal of strengthening Azerbaijan-Turkey cooperation.
In the article, it is also emphasized that the modernization of Soviet-era equipment does not imply a shift away from acquiring new technologies. Azerbaijan continues to invest in modern weapon systems, including drones from Turkey and Israel, as well as new JF-17C Block III fighter jets from Pakistan. However, the preservation and modernization of older equipment allow Baku to maintain both quantitative and qualitative advantages over potential adversaries.
It is further noted that Azerbaijan’s military modernization could be part of a strategy aimed at maintaining superiority over Armenia, which, despite peace negotiations, continues to bolster its military capabilities. Armenia, in turn, seeks support from other countries such as India and France to modernize its arsenal and update its military hardware, including tanks and fighter jets.
