Category: Azer News

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for a missile and drone attack on the U.S. Al Azraq Air Base in Jordan, AzerNEWS reports.

According to an IRGC statement carried by Tasnim news agency, Iranian forces launched what it described as a coordinated barrage of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles targeting the U.S. air base and fighter aircraft shelters in the Al Azraq area.

The statement claimed that the attack destroyed two fighter jets and three aircraft, while several other aircraft sustained significant damage.

The latest escalation follows renewed tensions between the United States and Iran that began on July 8. On that day, the U.S. military launched a series of strikes against targets in Iran, claiming they were carried out in response to an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Later the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the suspension of the ceasefire with Iran. In response, Tehran began launching attacks against U.S. facilities located in Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.

For more than three decades, one of Azerbaijan’s most important economic objectives has been reducing its dependence on hydrocarbons. Like many resource-rich nations, Azerbaijan has long exhibited the classic symptoms of the so-called “Dutch disease”-an economic phenomenon in which booming natural resource exports strengthen one sector while weakening the competitiveness of the rest of the economy. Diversifying both GDP and exports has therefore remained at the heart of the country’s long-term economic strategy.

The scale of that dependence was difficult to ignore. For years, hydrocarbons accounted for roughly half of Azerbaijan’s GDP and close to 90 percent of total exports. Such concentration made the country highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices. Every sharp decline in oil prices translated into pressure on public finances, foreign exchange earnings, and economic growth. Building a more balanced export structure was therefore not merely an economic ambition but a strategic necessity.

To be fair, Azerbaijan has made substantial progress in developing its non-oil economy over the past three decades. The numbers tell an impressive story. In 1994, the country’s total exports-including oil and gas-amounted to only around $300 million. By 2024, however, Azerbaijan’s non-oil exports alone had reached approximately $3.3 billion. In other words, exports outside the energy sector expanded more than tenfold over thirty years. Few would dispute that this represents a significant achievement.

Yet the broader picture remained more complicated. While non-oil exports were growing steadily, hydrocarbon exports expanded even faster for much of that period. Massive investments in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil fields, followed later by the Southern Gas Corridor and the Shah Deniz gas project, generated export revenues on a scale that the non-oil sector simply could not match. As a result, despite impressive absolute growth, the relative weight of non-oil exports often remained disappointingly small. There were even years when crude oil alone accounted for well over 90 percent of Azerbaijan’s export earnings.

The first meaningful shift became visible after 2020. Rather than relying overwhelmingly on crude oil, Azerbaijan’s export basket gradually became more diversified within the energy sector itself. Natural gas exports increased rapidly as deliveries to European markets expanded following the completion of major pipeline infrastructure. Consequently, the export structure evolved into a more balanced composition: roughly 45-50 percent crude oil, around 40-45 percent natural gas, and approximately 10 percent non-oil products. Although hydrocarbons still dominated, Azerbaijan was no longer dependent on a single commodity.

The figures released for the first half of 2026, however, suggest that an even more significant transformation may now be underway.

According to official trade statistics, oil and petroleum products accounted for only around 40-41 percent of total exports during the first six months of the year, while natural gas represented roughly 25 percent. Most remarkably, Azerbaijan’s non-oil exports exceeded $5.5 billion during the same period-the first time in the country’s history. Even more striking is the pace of growth. During the corresponding period of 2025, non-oil exports stood at approximately $1.8 billion. Within just one year, they have effectively tripled.

Naturally, such an extraordinary increase deserves closer examination before being interpreted as a permanent structural breakthrough.

The overwhelming driver behind this surge has been gold exports. According to official statistics, gold exports reached approximately $3.7 billion during the first half of 2026, accounting for roughly 22.5 percent of Azerbaijan’s total non-hydrocarbon exports. Although customs data does not explicitly identify the destination of these shipments, the available trade statistics provide a compelling clue. The United Kingdom emerged as Azerbaijan’s largest non-oil export market, importing approximately $3.45 billion worth of non-oil products during the first six months of the year.

Historically, Azerbaijan’s principal non-oil export destinations have been neighboring markets such as Russia, Trkiye, Georgia, and, for precious metals, Switzerland. Britain’s sudden emergence as the dominant destination strongly suggests that the overwhelming majority of these gold exports were shipped there, most likely to London, one of the world’s leading centers for precious metals trading and refining.

Whether this represents a temporary statistical anomaly or the beginning of a lasting trade relationship remains an open question. Gold exports are inherently volatile and can fluctuate significantly depending on global prices, mining output, and international market conditions.

Nevertheless, dismissing these figures as a statistical curiosity would also be a mistake. Even if gold accounts for much of this year’s spectacular increase, the broader trajectory remains encouraging. Azerbaijan has gradually expanded manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, chemicals, logistics, and other export-oriented industries over many years. The country’s transport infrastructure, strategic location along the Middle Corridor, and growing integration into regional supply chains continue to strengthen the competitiveness of its non-energy economy.

Looking further ahead, another potentially transformative opportunity is beginning to emerge. Azerbaijan’s ambitious renewable energy agenda, supported by major investments in solar and wind generation, aims not only to satisfy domestic demand but eventually to export green electricity to European markets through projects such as the Black Sea submarine cable. If these initiatives progress as planned, electricity could gradually become another significant export category alongside oil, gas, and precious metals.

No country escapes decades of resource dependence overnight. Yet the latest export statistics demonstrate that diversification is no longer merely a policy objective discussed in government strategies-it is becoming increasingly visible in the country’s trade data. Whether driven by gold today or green electricity tomorrow, every percentage point gained by non-oil exports strengthens Azerbaijan’s economic resilience and reduces its vulnerability to external commodity shocks.

Over the past few months, the skies above Azerbaijan have bore witness to a quiet, yet profound, technological shift. Following an initial debut in late June, the Azerbaijani Air Force once again mobilized its newly acquired JF-17C (Block-III) “Thunder” multirole fighter jets for a series of high-profile training flights. Operating alongside legacy platforms like the Su-25ML close-support aircraft and L-39 jet trainers, these sleek, single-engine fighters executed complex piloting and combat maneuvers at various altitudes, signaling that their integration into the country’s active fleet is proceeding at an accelerated pace.

Rather than a theatrical display of saber-rattling, these back-to-back exercises deliver a calculated, measured message to the wider region. Beyond the geopolitics, they demonstrate how Azerbaijan’s military hierarchy is systematically addressing a long-standing vulnerability: its dependence on aging Soviet-era aviation technology.

The acquisition of the JF-17C, co-developed by Pakistan and China, represents a monumental leap forward for Azerbaijan’s defensive architecture. For decades, the backbone of the nation’s air power rested on Soviet-designed platforms, specifically the MiG-29. While capable in their prime, these aircraft belong to an era of mechanical radars and analog warfare.

The “C” variant (Block-III) shifts Azerbaijan firmly into the realm of 4.5-generation warfare. The most critical upgrade lies in its nose cone: the KLJ-7A Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Unlike older, mechanically steered radars that search the skies like a physical flashlight, the AESA radar utilizes thousands of solid-state transmit/receive modules. This allows the JF-17C to track multiple targets simultaneously, resist hostile electronic jamming, and spot incoming threats at much greater distances.

Furthermore, the integration of advanced weaponry like the PL-15E beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile completely alters the strategic calculus. With an operational range exceeding 140 kilometers, these missiles grant Azerbaijani pilots the ability to engage aerial threats long before they can pose a direct danger to domestic airspace. Accompanied by modern Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD) that allow pilots to lock onto targets simply by looking at them, the JF-17C provides a sophisticated qualitative edge that the country’s aviation inventory previously lacked.

When a nation repeatedly highlights its newest, most advanced military hardware in official state media-as Azerbaijan did in both June and July-it is rarely a coincidence. However, the message being sent here is one of calculated deterrence rather than aggressive posturing.

First, the exercises serve as a declaration of rapid operational capability. Buying a fighter jet is only the first step in a complex logistical process; training pilots, establishing maintenance pipelines, and integrating new tactics can take years. By showcasing the JF-17C executing combat maneuvers in formation, Baku is signaling that its pilots have already bypassed the transition phase. The “Thunder” is no longer just a static parade piece-it is a fully functional, combat-ready asset.

Second, the drills highlight tactical interoperability. By pairing the JF-17C with the Su-25ML, the Air Force is demonstrating how it intends to fight. In a modern conflict, the Su-25ML-modernized to carry smart munitions-performs close air support on the ground. However, these ground-attack jets are vulnerable to enemy interceptors. The JF-17C, with its superior radar and BVR capabilities, can fly high-altitude cover, establishing air superiority while the Su-25s operate safely below.

Ultimately, Azerbaijan is signaling a decisive pivot away from Russian defense procurement. At a time when maintenance, parts acquisition, and upgrades for Russian-made hardware have become geopolitically complex, the partnership with Pakistan offers a reliable, modern, and unencumbered alternative. The message to neighbors and regional powers is clear: Azerbaijan is building a modern, self-sustaining defense model that is no longer tethered to the post-Soviet military-industrial complex.

The skies above Baku are changing, and with the JF-17C leading the formation, Azerbaijan’s defense strategy is flying directly into the digital age.

The JF-17C’s arrival is about far more than replacing aging aircraft; it reflects a broader transformation in Azerbaijan’s defense philosophy. By investing in modern sensors, long-range precision weapons, and diversified defense partnerships, Baku is reshaping its air force to meet the demands of contemporary warfare rather than the realities of the past. Whether this modernization ultimately shifts the regional military balance remains to be seen, but one conclusion is already evident: Azerbaijan’s air power is entering a new era defined by advanced technology, greater operational flexibility, and a steadily expanding capacity for independent deterrence.

Trkiye’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources is actively advancing preparations to supply electricity from Azerbaijan to Bulgaria as part of a large-scale green energy corridor project, AzerNEWS reports.

According to Trkiye newspaper, preparations for the initiative – dubbed “Electricity TANAP” – are underway on multiple fronts in Ankara. The work includes expanding electricity grid capacity, developing energy exchanges, addressing cross-border electricity trade, and establishing the necessary market regulations.

The publication reported that the state-owned electricity transmission corporation TEIAS has joined efforts to establish the physical route linking the Caspian region with Southeastern Europe, enabling the direct transmission of renewable electricity.

TEIAS is coordinating technical cooperation with electricity transmission system operators in the participating countries. One of the project’s key objectives is the construction of high-voltage electricity interconnectors, which will facilitate cross-border power flows between national grids.

The initiative also involves EPIAS, Trkiye’s energy exchange operator, and the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK).

According to the report, EPIAS is working to establish the commercial framework for the large-scale project alongside efforts to modernize electricity trading networks. The newspaper noted that Trkiye currently operates Europe’s third-largest electricity exchange by trading volume.

Belgium will develop its own military satellite system as part of efforts to strengthen its independent space capabilities, AzerNEWS reports.

For the first time, the country’s Ministry of Defense will allocate more than pound 200 million to develop an independent space infrastructure. Currently, the Belgian military relies on satellite imagery provided by France.

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken told The Brussels Times that the government plans to deploy several dozen satellites, including 10 for military purposes. The satellite constellation is expected to be placed into orbit by 2030.

The initiative follows the launch of a major satellite manufacturing project by Belgian company Aerospacelab, which began construction of a production facility in 2024. The plant is designed to manufacture up to 500 satellites annually and is scheduled to begin operations in 2026.

Pursuant to the relevant order of the First Deputy Minister of Defense – Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, a graduation ceremony for the Basic Diver Course was held in the Azerbaijan Navy, AzerNEWS reports.

The memory of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, and the Martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland was honored with a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was then performed.

Speakers at the graduation ceremony emphasized that conducting such courses makes a significant contribution to enhancing the professional qualifications and combat readiness of personnel.

It was noted that throughout the course, participants acquired not only theoretical knowledge but also practical diving skills, including underwater technical operations, search procedures, the recovery of submerged objects, underwater hull inspections, and other diving tasks.

At the end of the ceremony, participants were awarded certificates, followed by a commemorative group photo.

More than 600,000 people in the United Kingdom are unable to work because of overweight and obesity-related health problems, AzerNEWS reports, citing The Telegraph.

The findings are based on a study conducted by researchers at the University of York, who analyzed data from more than 284,000 volunteers. The research drew on information from the UK Biobank, the country’s largest medical database.

According to the information, more than 15 million people in the UK are overweight, and around 4% of them are unable to continue working specifically because of obesity.

The study also found that men are more likely than women to leave the workforce due to excess weight.

Researchers warned that rising obesity rates could place an even greater financial burden on the UK economy. The report noted that employees diagnosed with obesity take twice as much sick leave as those with a healthy weight, highlighting the growing impact of obesity on productivity and the labor market.

The Government has announced pilot schemes in which the unemployed will be given weight-loss jabs to get more people back to work.

Researchers have previously found that obese workers are twice as likely to take time off sick as those of a healthy weight because of health problems arising from their size.

Germany’s influential political magazine Cicero has published an article titled “Gateway to Central Asia: Why Europe Is Rediscovering the South Caucasus,” highlighting the region’s growing strategic importance amid shifting geopolitical realities, AzerNEWS reports.

Written by Oliver Rolofs, the article examines how the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and rising tensions in the Middle East have fundamentally reshaped Europe’s approach to security, energy, and transport policy.

According to the author, Europe, which relied heavily on the United States for security, Russia for energy supplies, and China as a key economic market in the post-Cold War era, is increasingly seeking to establish itself as an independent geopolitical actor. Against this backdrop, the South Caucasus has evolved from what was once considered a geopolitical periphery into one of Europe’s key strategic regions.

The article argues that the war in Ukraine demonstrated that pipelines, ports, submarine communication cables, and transport corridors are not merely economic infrastructure but also powerful geopolitical instruments. At the same time, escalating tensions involving Iran and growing risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have further underscored the importance of energy and logistics security, enhancing the strategic relevance of the South Caucasus for Europe.

Rolofs notes that for many years the region was viewed primarily through the lens of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, overshadowing its broader geopolitical potential. However, the peace initiative launched between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington on August 8, 2025, has significantly changed perceptions in Brussels and other European capitals. Although issues such as border delimitation, mine clearance, and confidence-building measures remain unresolved, Europe increasingly views the South Caucasus as a bridge connecting the continent with Central Asia.

The article places particular emphasis on Azerbaijan’s expanding role in Europe’s energy security. It recalls that, following the signing of the EU-Azerbaijan Memorandum of Understanding in 2022, Azerbaijan has steadily increased natural gas exports to Europe. The country currently supplies around 13 billion cubic meters of gas annually to the European Union, compared with 8 billion cubic meters before 2022, with exports expected to reach at least 20 billion cubic meters by 2027. It also notes that Germany and Austria began receiving direct Azerbaijani gas supplies for the first time in 2026.

According to the publication, Azerbaijan now exports natural gas to 16 countries, including 10 EU member states, making it one of the cornerstones of Europe’s strategy to diversify energy supplies.

The author also highlights the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor, including the TANAP and TAP pipelines, which deliver Caspian energy resources to Europe without crossing Russian territory. Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, these projects have become increasingly important in Europe’s efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy.

Beyond energy, the article stresses Azerbaijan’s role as a key transit hub linking Europe with Central Asia. Rolofs stressed that as the northern route through Russia has become constrained by sanctions and war, while the route through Iran carries heightened geopolitical risks, the Middle Corridor has emerged as one of the most reliable and promising trade routes between Europe and Asia. The corridor connects Europe with the markets of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and China through Azerbaijan.

The article notes that the European Union now considers the Middle Corridor one of the flagship infrastructure projects under its Global Gateway strategy, with plans to deepen cooperation in energy, digital connectivity, critical raw materials, transport, and logistics.

Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO), Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, took part in the Peace Alliance Summit held in Luanda, Angola, on July 16-17 at the invitation of Miguel Ángel Moratinos, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), and the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, AzerNEWS reports.

The summit was organized as part of the “Call for Peace, End of Wars and Respect for International Law” initiative.

According to the CMO’s press service, the opening ceremony featured speeches by Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, and President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Félix Antoine Tshisekedi. Speakers highlighted that Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade was the only religious leader participating in the summit.

During his visit, Pashazade held meetings with Moratinos, the presidents of Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Prime Minister of Namibia, Angola’s foreign minister, the mayor of Gernika in Spain, and several other senior officials.

Addressing the opening of a thematic session on July 17, Allahshukur Pashazade praised the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations for its efforts to promote peace and respect for international law. He also commended Moratinos for his contribution to strengthening dialogue among civilizations.

The Sheikh-ul-Islam highlighted Azerbaijan’s experience in promoting peace, multiculturalism, and interfaith dialogue, as well as the country’s close cooperation with the UN Alliance of Civilizations. He noted that President Ilham Aliyev’s efforts to advance the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process have received broad international recognition.

Pashazade stressed that all holy scriptures regard the killing of a single innocent person as a crime against all humanity. He underscored the importance of preserving the memory of the tragedies of Guernica, Srebrenica, and Khojaly, calling for ongoing conflicts to be resolved peacefully on the basis of international law and for stronger international cooperation to prevent future humanitarian disasters.

The thematic session continued with discussions on “The Role of Religious and Faith Leaders in Promoting Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence.”

Turkish security forces have detained 119 suspects with alleged links to the ISIS terrorist organization during a large-scale counterterrorism operation carried out across 30 provinces, AzerNEWS reports, citing Trkiye’s Ministry of Interior.

According to the ministry, the operation was conducted by the Turkish Gendarmerie in provinces including Istanbul, Ankara, Adana, Antalya, Bursa, Gaziantep, Kocaeli, Konya, Mardin, Samsun, and Van.

The detainees are accused of membership in ISIS, spreading terrorist propaganda through social media, and financing the terrorist organization through individuals allegedly linked to ISIS and organizations posing as charities.

During the operation, security forces also seized a large number of documents and digital materials belonging to the terrorist group.

The latest raids follow a series of recent counterterrorism operations in Trkiye. In late June, a suspected ISIS member was killed in an armed confrontation with police south of Ankara, just two weeks before the NATO summit in the Turkish capital. Following that incident, Turkish authorities detained an additional 209 suspects accused of links to ISIS.