Category: Azer News

The rapid evolution of drone warfare is forcing defense companies to rethink not only how unmanned aerial vehicles are detected and intercepted, but also how much it costs to destroy them.

Speaking to AzerNews on the sidelines of ADEX 2026, HADES Defense Systems delegate Georgio Markov outlined the company’s approach to counter-UAS technology, its interest in the Azerbaijani market and the prospects for localization and cooperation with the country’s defense industry.

According to Markov, HADES has built its counter-drone concept around a multi-layered architecture combining different detection and interception technologies, with particular emphasis on hard-kill capabilities.

‘HADES’ initial concept was always a multi-layered approach, which was focused on being as future-proof as possible. Now, I would say that the main difference which actually makes us more capable of dealing with such threats is, of course, that we put an extreme emphasis on the hard-kill aspect,’ he told AzerNews.

The growing autonomy of military drones has made reliance on electronic warfare alone increasingly problematic, he argued.

‘Especially in a military context, when you’re dealing with these increasingly deadly autonomous systems, jammers can only go so far. But they are useful, they have their place, don’t get me wrong, but you cannot rely fully on jamming systems,’ Markov said.

For HADES, the answer lies in ensuring that electronic countermeasures are complemented by a physical means of destroying an incoming UAV.

‘Our hard-kill approach was, from the beginning, designed to take out inexpensive drones that can cause a lot of damage, and we always focus on a last-mile solution with a hard-kill end effect,’ he said.

Yet physically destroying drones creates another challenge that has become increasingly apparent in recent conflicts: economics.

Relatively inexpensive UAVs can force militaries to expend interceptors costing many times the value of the target. Markov said HADES has therefore made reducing the cost of each interception a central consideration in the development of its systems.

‘The other really important part about our system, especially the hard-kill component of it, is, of course, the low cost per shot,’ he said.

‘Because we’ve seen this in the recent conflicts, you have very cheap drones being taken out with very expensive interceptors, which take a lot of time to produce, the cost is extremely high. And when you do the math, the total just doesn’t add up.’

He said the company’s approach is consequently centered on providing a relatively inexpensive final layer of defense capable of permanently neutralizing an incoming threat.

‘Our approach was always a last-mile solution with a low cost per shot, designed to take out UAVs and these types of threats permanently,’ Markov explained.

Azerbaijan emerges as potential market

Beyond counter-UAS technology, HADES sees potential for expanding its presence in Azerbaijan.

Markov said the company has already received interest from the Azerbaijani market, particularly concerning its expertise in rocket systems.

‘The prospects are very interesting. We have had some interest from the Azerbaijani market. Mostly, it seems to be focused on our expertise in the rocket systems,’ he said.

At ADEX 2026, the company is placing particular emphasis on multiple launch rocket systems, or MLRS, rocket artillery and radar technologies.

‘Of course, there’s a lot of different types of products which we can bring to the market. I mean, this time around, we’re primarily focused on MLRS rocket artillery systems and radars,’ Markov said.

Counter-UAS radars represent another area where he sees considerable potential.

According to Markov, modern defense networks increasingly require sensors specifically optimized for detecting small UAVs rather than relying solely on conventional air-defense radars.

‘I do see that there is definitely a need. I don’t think that this is just limited to the Azerbaijani market, especially for counter-UAV radars like gap-filler radars, things that can provide targeting solutions that are more designed for drones, or even passive RF listening devices like RF locators for drones,’ he said.

‘These are all products that can be very useful and definitely have a place.’

HADES open to localization in Azerbaijan

The company is also open to moving beyond the traditional supplier-customer relationship if opportunities emerge in Azerbaijan.

Markov said HADES is prepared to discuss localization, potentially opening the way for cooperation involving local production or other joint initiatives.

‘In general, we’re always open to having negotiations about localization. So, we’re definitely open to any opportunities that might come our way,’ he said.

Such an approach would fit into Azerbaijan’s broader efforts to expand domestic defense manufacturing and acquire technological expertise alongside new military systems.

Asked for his assessment of Azerbaijan’s defense-industrial capabilities, Markov said the country was adapting to changing military technologies and strengthening its domestic capabilities.

‘I think that they’re definitely improving their capabilities. I definitely think that they’re getting with the times and they’re adapting,’ he said.

He pointed particularly to Azerbaijan’s defense relationship with Trkiye and the acquisition of increasingly sophisticated unmanned and other military systems.

‘We can see that, for example, their relationships with Trkiye and their military-industrial complex are quite good. So, they’re acquiring a lot of sophisticated drones and other systems,’ Markov said.

‘I would say that they’re definitely doing their homework and they are working in the direction they should be.’

The combination of Azerbaijan’s expanding defense industry and the rapidly changing requirements of modern warfare could therefore create further opportunities for cooperation.

For HADES, the potential extends from MLRS and rocket artillery to specialized counter-UAS radars, passive detection technologies and hard-kill systems. More importantly, Markov’s remarks suggest that the company is prepared to discuss localization if cooperation with Azerbaijan progresses beyond procurement.

Cargo transportation volumes along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, increased by 22% in the first eight months of this year, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

Speaking during a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Germany, Tokayev said the construction of new roads and railway lines had shortened the distance to ports on the Caspian Sea coast.

Tokayev said the Middle Corridor connects China with Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Trkiye and Europe, providing a significant boost to the expansion of trade ties.

The two presidents also reached an agreement on cooperation aimed at further expanding the transport corridor.

The Middle Corridor has become an increasingly important route linking China and Europe through Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus and Trkiye, offering an alternative east-west transportation route.

The hosting of the 5th CIS Games by Kyrgyzstan has been officially confirmed.

The decision was made at a meeting of the Council for Physical Education and Sport of the participants in the “Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Physical Education and Sport among the States Parties to the Commonwealth of Independent States”.

Official delegations and authorized representatives from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and the CIS Executive Committee took part in the major sports meeting, joining efforts to further strengthen international sports cooperation.

The meeting participants unanimously supported the initiative to grant Bishkek the honorary title of “Sports Capital of the Commonwealth” for 2027, the year in which Kyrgyzstan will also chair the Council.

The Games will continue after Azerbaijan hosted the third CIS Games in 2025.

The competition in Kyrgyzstan is expected to further promote mass participation in sport and strengthen friendship and understanding among young people from CIS countries.

The next phase of tasks has been successfully completed during “Power of Unity – 2026′ joint military exercise hosted by Azerbaijan.

In accordance with the exercise plan, the participating personnel carried out a range of activities, including the transportation of personnel to the operational area using armoured vehicles, combat operations in a populated area, breaching and clearing passages through minefields, conducting an assault on the positions of simulated terrorists and clearing and capturing an objective held by the opposing force, and engaging and destroying the simulated enemy’s armoured vehicles using anti-tank weapons.

During the assault, military personnel conducted their assigned tasks with fire support from combat helicopters, armoured vehicles, and artillery systems. They also further developed their practical skills in interoperability, coordination, and the execution of joint operations.

The assigned tasks were successfully accomplished owing to the high level of professionalism demonstrated by the military personnel of the participating countries.

It is noteworthy that, the primary objectives of the exercise are to enhance the practical skills of military personnel, ensure the coordinated employment of weapons systems and military equipment with personnel, and expand their ability to execute assigned tasks in a rapid and coordinated manner.

A meeting of the Council for Physical Culture and Sport of the states participating in the CIS Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Physical Culture and Sport has been held in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

According to the Azerbaijan Ministry of Youth and, the meeting was attended by Aydin Mammadov, head of the Olympic and Paralympic Sports Sector, and Ulviyya Hajiyeva, head of the Strategic Analysis Sector.

The participants discussed the implementation of the Interstate Programme “Sports Capitals of the Commonwealth” in Almaty, as well as the implementation of the 2021-2030 Development Strategy for cooperation among CIS countries in physical culture and sport and the Calendar Plan for CIS championships.

The meeting also addressed preparations for the 5th CIS Games in Kyrgyzstan, the implementation of the “Sports Capitals of the Commonwealth” programme in 2027, and other issues related to cooperation in sport.

The 6th Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition, ADEX-2026, and the 15th anniversary International Exhibition of Internal Security, Safety and Rescue Equipment, Securex Caspian, opened in Baku on September 30.

The three-day exhibitions are being held at the Baku Expo Center at the initiative and under the organization of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defence Industry, with organizational support from Caspian Event Organisers.

The opening ceremony was attended by government and state officials, representatives of Azerbaijan’s diplomatic corps and international organizations, foreign delegations, and representatives of other relevant institutions.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defence Industry Vugar Mustafayev read out a letter from President Ilham Aliyev addressed to the participants of the exhibitions.

Baku Expo Center hosts a number of meetings held within the 6th Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition “ADEX-2026”. These meetings focus on the advancement of Azerbaijan’s military-technical cooperation with other countries.

On September 30, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov held meeting with the Minister of State for Defense Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, a member of the UAE Cabinet His Excellency Mohamed Bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan to attend the 6th Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition “ADEX-2026”.

Colonel General Zakir Hasanov noted the positive outcomes achieved in recent years in the progress of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UAE.

Expressing his appreciation for the organization of the international exhibition, Mr. Mohamed Bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei shared his positive impressions of his visit to Azerbaijan and participation in the event. He emphasized the effectiveness of reciprocal visits and meetings, as well as the importance of exchanging expertise.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the current state and prospects for the development of military and military-technical cooperation between the two countries, joint military exercises, and the importance of intergovernmental dialogue on defence and security-related matters.

Two Spanish F-18 fighter jets were scrambled after an unidentified air target was detected near Romania’s border with Ukraine, Romania’s Digi24 reported, citing the country’s Defense Ministry.

The radar surveillance system detected an air target flying over Ukrainian territory east of the city of Izmail, near the river border with Romania.

The two Spanish F-18s, deployed in Romania as part of NATO’s enhanced air policing mission, were sent up to monitor the situation.

Romania’s National Military Command Center also alerted the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations about the incident and the possibility of danger to people in northern Tulcea County. Local residents were warned through the RO-Alert system.

Romania’s Defense Ministry said no unauthorized entry into the country’s airspace had been recorded. The incident occurred over an area near Ukraine’s Danube coast and the Romanian border.

Airspace monitoring in Romania’s border areas has been stepped up in recent days amid intensified attacks on Ukrainian Danube ports.

A delegation from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Uzbekistan is visiting Azerbaijan to attend the 6th Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition “ADEX-2026” held at the Baku Expo Center and the Distinguished Visitors Day of the “Power of Unity – 2026” joint military exercise.

On September 30, as part of the meetings held during the international exhibition, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, met with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Lieutenant General Shukhrat Khalmukhamedov.

Welcoming the distinguished guest, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov once again emphasized that military cooperation between the two countries is rooted in friendship, brotherhood, allied relations, and shared historical and cultural ties. Defense Minister also highlighted the importance of mutual visits and constructive meetings in furthering the positive development of bilateral relations.

Expressing his satisfaction with his visit to the brotherly country, Lieutenant General Shukhrat Khalmukhamedov noted that the participation of military personnel from both countries in international events and joint military exercises, as well as the exchange of experience and the establishment of friendly relations, have contributed positively to the expansion of bilateral cooperation. He expressed his deep gratitude to Colonel General Zakir Hasanov for the high-level organization and conduct of the “Power of Unity – 2026” joint military exercise.

The sides discussed the current state and prospects for the development of cooperation between the two countries in the military, military education, and military-technical fields. They also held detailed discussions on issues of coomon interest.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2027 was signed between the Ministries of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The decline in purchasing power in France has become one of the most noticeable economic concerns of recent years. In 2025, household purchasing power fell by 0.7%, and a similar decline is expected this year. Such a situation has occurred only twice since 1960 – in 1983-1984 and again between 2010 and 2013.

According to calculations by the French Institute of Economics, the decline in purchasing power since 2024 has resulted in an average real loss of around pound 1,200 for a family of four. For a single person, the loss is estimated at approximately pound 600.

Experts point to inflation and slower growth in real wages as the main factors behind the decline. Since 2019, consumer prices have increased by 21.3%, while wages have risen by only 18.7%. At the same time, the unemployment rate increased from 7.2% at the beginning of 2023 to 8.3%, putting additional pressure on household budgets.

The impact has been particularly noticeable among middle-income families. Between 2019 and 2024, wages declined in real terms in 222 of the 343 professions surveyed by France’s National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE).

As everyday expenses have increased, French consumers have also started changing their shopping habits. More people are looking for discounts, comparing prices and choosing cheaper products, including supermarket brands. Some households are also cutting back on non-essential purchases, such as eating out, entertainment and travel.

Interestingly, purchasing power is not only about how much money people earn – it is also about what that money can actually buy. Even when salaries increase, households can feel poorer if prices for food, housing, energy and other essential goods rise faster than their incomes.

Experts warn that if purchasing power continues to decline in 2027, consumer behavior could change even further, potentially leading to more cautious spending and greater demand for low-cost products and promotions.