A grand military parade took place in Baku to mark the fifth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Victory in the Patriotic War. The event served as a confirmation that the results of the 44-day war have been firmly consolidated in the regional reality, while the country’s political and military-strategic course remains consistent and stable. The very scale of the parade was a strong signal demonstrating that Azerbaijan not only confidently maintains its achievements but continues to strengthen its military, technological, and political potential.
Notably, the parade was attended by the leaders of two brotherly nations — Turkey and Pakistan. The presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif gave the ceremony not only a solemn character but also a distinctly strategic depth. Both states stood openly and unequivocally on Azerbaijan’s side during the war, expressing their unconditional political support for Baku. For Turkey, this stance reflected the long-standing principle of “one nation, two states,” while for Pakistan, it was an expression of a deep friendship built on mutual trust and historical solidarity. Thus, the participation of the leaders of Ankara and Islamabad was a logical continuation of their earlier actions, giving the event a broader geopolitical meaning.
Before the parade began, the three leaders addressed the crowd, outlining their key assessments of recent years and their vision for the region’s future. President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur are experiencing a period of active reconstruction. He noted that new peaceful realities are taking shape in the liberated territories — cities, roads, and infrastructure are being rebuilt, and new social and economic life is emerging. This idea was central to his address: Azerbaijan’s victory is not only the completion of a military campaign but also the beginning of a vast process of transformation. He also thanked Turkey and Pakistan for their support, highlighting that their role in affirming the political results of the war was deep, consistent, and timely.
Equally symbolic was the speech by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who stated that the liberation of Karabakh is “a source of pride for the entire Turkic world.” With this remark, Erdogan reaffirmed a long-standing theme in Turkish foreign policy: Azerbaijan is a key member of the Turkic world, and its military success strengthens the entire Turkic region. One of the most emotional moments of his address was Erdogan’s recitation of a patriotic poem by the renowned Azerbaijani poet Mammad Araz — a gesture that added a cultural and emotional dimension to his words. Erdogan reiterated that the alliance between Turkey and Azerbaijan extends far beyond defense, being rooted in shared history, culture, and civilization.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan declared that his “heart is filled with pride” as he watched Azerbaijan celebrate its victory. He stressed that Pakistan has been and will remain a loyal and steadfast ally of Baku. This statement was far from ceremonial — Pakistan has long held one of the clearest and most consistent positions in support of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, regardless of international circumstances. Sharif underlined that the friendship between the two nations is built on sincere respect, mutual trust, and shared interests.
One of the most striking moments of the parade was the joint march of the armed forces of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan. It was not just a symbolic display of unity — it was a vivid demonstration of a genuine alliance. For the spectators, this scene became an emotional emblem of the tripartite strategic partnership; for regional actors, it served as a reminder that any attempt to revise the results of the war or provoke a new conflict would meet a collective response.
The display of advanced weaponry was equally significant. The parade showcased how far Azerbaijan’s defense capabilities have evolved in recent years. Particularly noteworthy were the systems developed by Azerbaijan’s own defense industry — proof that the country is not limited to importing arms but is building its own technological base. Among the featured weapons were AZAD and “İti Qovan” combat and reconnaissance drones, “Zərbə” loitering munitions, high-precision mini-drones, “Yalguzag” anti-tank systems, and “SİMA” multiple rocket launchers. Modernized armored vehicles “Tufan” and “Gürzə,” as well as electronic warfare, thermal imaging, and electro-optical systems, also drew attention. Their presentation underscored that Azerbaijan possesses not only financial but also engineering capabilities to develop advanced military technology.
Overall, the Baku parade was a landmark event not only in Azerbaijan’s military and political life but also in the broader regional context. It reaffirmed the permanence of the 44-day war’s outcomes, strengthened the strategic partnership among Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan, demonstrated the country’s expanding technological potential, and confirmed that Azerbaijan is steadily consolidating its role in the regional security architecture. The parade proved that the 2020 victory was not an isolated episode but the starting point of long-term transformations whose results are becoming increasingly evident with each passing year.
Ilgar Velizade
