Azerbaijan
formerly part of the Soviet Union

A brief history of the nation's air forces
You are encouraged to add to or correct historical information


Newly Independent Nation

The Azerbijani Air Force was formed in 1990 with the break-up of the former Soviet Union and the newfound independence of Azerbaijan. As in other states newly independent of the former Soviet state, the initial equipment was that which was found in-situ in Azerbaijan at the point of collapse of the central administration.The State has since purchased from other sources an interesting but logistical and maintenance nightmare variety of other aircraft.

for much of the time since its independence, Azerbaijan has been locked in a struggle with its neighbour, Armenia, over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia negotiated a cease fire between the two States in 1994. Equipment has been poor and in limited supply.

Although operational effectiveness and serviceability is believed to be poor, the following inventory appears to be in service:
28 Mig 25 (various marks), 4 Su-17M, 5 Su24 and 2 Su25.. Helicopters include 15 Mil 24, 13 Mi-8, and 7 Mi-2's. Fixed wing transport is provided by 1 An12, 1 An 24, 3 Il 76 and 1 Tu134A. Training uses 18 l29 and 12 L39.



Abstracted from and copyright of Jane's Air Forces of the World