Azerbaijan's Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, has addressed the participants of the ADEX-2026 exhibition.

Operativ Media reports that the defense minister's address reads:

“Dear exhibition participants, distinguished guests!

I welcome you to the 6th ADEX-2026 Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition and wish success to the representatives of all countries participating in the exhibition who accepted our invitation!

We are confident that the 6th ADEX-2026 Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition held in our country will create broad opportunities for demonstrating the military potential of participating countries, signing new contracts, and discussing joint projects.

I believe this exhibition will not only serve as an important platform for exchanging experience in advanced technology manufacturing and assessing prospects in defense and security, but will also boost the development of existing military-technical cooperation and the implementation of new initiatives and joint projects.

Azerbaijan is always open to international cooperation to maintain security and sustainable peace, as well as to increase its defense capability, and is interested in deepening partnerships in this direction. Ensuring stability in the region and the security of large-scale economic projects are priorities for our country.

As you know, the rapid development of science and technological progress is gradually replacing traditional defense methods with new approaches. Non-contact operations carried out through the application of innovative solutions and high-precision weapons are fundamentally changing the nature of military missions. Neural networks, laser-based systems, unmanned aerial vehicles for various purposes, and artificial intelligence-controlled unmanned systems require a completely different approach to state defense concepts.

The challenges of our time and the combat experience gained make possessing military equipment and hardware produced on the basis of advanced technologies an essential condition for maintaining stability. In this regard, the Republic of Azerbaijan attaches special importance to expanding the operational capabilities of our Army, updating its material and technical base, and equipping it with the most modern weapon systems.

Naturally, the implementation of innovations also requires continuous improvement of the knowledge and skills of military personnel. Consistent measures are being taken to adapt the training process of personnel to modern requirements, study the experience of leading armies, and participate in joint exercises. At the same time, our military specialists analyze the characteristics of combat assets used in global conflicts and explore the possibilities of their application in local conditions.

It is an undeniable fact that the main reason for the achievements in recent years is the special attention paid to army building by the President, Victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. The inclusion of military equipment meeting the world's highest technical standards into our arsenal and the professional training of personnel are being implemented in stages, thanks to reforms carried out under the direct supervision of the head of state.

I would like to state with pride that thanks to the high care of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Mr. Ilham Aliyev, as well as the continuous support of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, our army's arsenal includes modern weapons, ammunition, and military equipment created on the basis of the latest technical specifications and digital innovations available in the world.

The victories won in the Patriotic War and subsequent operations are a clear example of the successfully implemented reforms in army building.

Speaking about the capabilities of Azerbaijan's military-industrial complex, I would also like to note that our country has extensive potential in this area. Our enterprises produce more than a thousand types of defense products—including weapons, ammunition, and unmanned systems—that are competitive on the global market. At the same time, the major overhaul and modernization of armored vehicles and aviation assets are being successfully carried out.

Holding the 6th ADEX-2026 Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition in our country is of great importance in terms of discussing technical solutions and getting acquainted with the demonstrated innovations. At the same time, such events serve as an important platform presenting Azerbaijan as a reliable strategic partner.

The great interest shown in the exhibition by foreign entities and business circles confirms the global prestige of this event. Such exhibitions, which contribute to the development of the defense industry, also serve to identify new opportunities for cooperation.

I believe that the exhibition will open up new prospects in military-technical cooperation for the participating countries, strengthen friendly relations, and create conditions for improving the innovative technological base.

I am confident that the discussions to be held during ADEX-2026 will create a favorable ground for deepening mutual cooperation between countries, and will make significant contributions to the development of the defense sector and the provision of sustainable peace and security in the world.

I wish each of you success in your activities for the sake of peace, and peace and progress to the countries you represent!

I wish the organizers, participants, and all our friends success in achieving their goals, and wish them new accomplishments!”