Azerbaijan and Turkey Start Joint Military Exercises

KONYA, Turkey — Turkey and Azerbaijan have launched joint air force exercises code named “TurAz Shahini-2016”, in the central Turkish city of Konya on March 7. The exercises will last until March 25, the Turkish General Staff reported.

Three MiG-29 fighter jets, three Sukhoi Su-25 attack aircraft and three Il-76 military transport aircraft from Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces will be involved into the annual planned exercises, the reports say.

In 2015, the armed forces of the two neighboring countries held both land and air force exercises.

In December 2010, both countries signed a range of treaties provisioning for military assistance should any of the party be attacked by third party.

Based on numerous agreements on joint military exercises as part of bilateral progressive efforts towards military cooperation, the Azerbaijani and Turkish armed forces have held regular drills, featuring various tactical and combat tasks so far.