Joint military exercises “TurAz Şahini-2016” of the Air Forces of Azerbaijan and Turkey that started on March 7 continue in the Turkish city of Konya.
Azerbaijan has joined the exercises with three MiG-29 fighter jets, three Su-25 attack aircraft and military personnel, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry told on March 9.
The exercises are aimed at creating interaction between the Azerbaijani and Turkish air forces through exchange of experience between the two countries’ armed forces.
Three MiG-29 fighter jets, three Su-25 attack aircraft and military personnel of the Azerbaijani Air Force were solemnly welcomed at an airbase in Konya. In his speech at the welcoming ceremony, airbase commander lieutenant-general Haluk Sahar wished success for every participant in the highly important joint TurAz Şahini-2016 tactical-flight exercises, which is now taking place for the second time.
Baku and Ankara enjoy strategic relations in many fields, including the military sphere. Military cooperation between these two neighboring nations dates back to 1992 when they signed an agreement on military education. Since then, the Azerbaijani and Turkish governments have been closely cooperating in both defense and security fields.
In December 2010, the two 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 hold regular drills, featuring various tactical and combat tasks so far.
