Amid Tensions with Armenia, Azerbaijan Acquires Drones and Military Equipment – Tigran Balayan

Azerbaijan is procuring unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and military equipment from other countries against the backdrop of rising tensions with Armenia, with reports indicating that some of these supplies are coming from Israel and Turkey.

According to Tigran Balayan, the head of the Armenian representation to the European Union, in an interview with Brussels Signal, Armenia has been monitoring the arms purchases, which are reportedly being delivered through military flights, including from Israel and Turkey. These shipments presumably include drone technology.

“Sixty to seventy percent of Azerbaijan’s military equipment comes from Israel, followed by Turkey,” Balayan stated. He also noted an increase in military flights from Serbia, which recently announced its intention to sell artillery equipment to Azerbaijan.

Commenting on Azerbaijan's recent aggression, which resulted in the deaths of four Armenian soldiers, he said, “The attack was a message not only to Armenia but also to Brussels.” Balayan added that the incident occurred just a few hours before a meeting of the EU-Armenia Partnership Council.

He characterized the attack as a blatant challenge to the EU's “authority” in the region. The ambassador stated that Azerbaijan has no intention of ending its conflict with Armenia. “Despite all the calls for restraint, Azerbaijan has not ceased its aggressive rhetoric, actions, killings, and provocations,” he concluded.