Azerbaijan, Turkey and Uzbekistan hold first joint Power of Unity-2026 exercise in Karabakh

Azerbaijan, Turkey and Uzbekistan have carried out their first joint military exercise in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region, with more than 3,500 troops taking part. The drill, called Power of Unity-2026, was held in the Hojavend district over the past few days and focused on a wide range of modern security threats. It included simulations of drone attacks, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns and attempts to seize a vessel.

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The exercise brought together land, naval and air elements, with troops training in the Qızılqaya military training area. According to the details provided, the forces used more than 130 unmanned vehicles, alongside over 70 armoured vehicles, more than 90 artillery systems and more than 20 aviation assets. The scenarios also covered electronic warfare, border incidents, anti-tank trench breaches, minefield clearance and operations in mountainous terrain.

Officials from the participating countries presented the drill as a test of readiness and coordination. Turkey's defence minister said the aim was to prepare as well as possible while maintaining peace, and praised the planning and execution of the exercise. Azerbaijan's defence minister said the land, naval and air operations helped raise the combat readiness of the participating armies.

Uzbekistan's defence minister said the personnel had shown high combat readiness and the ability to carry out missions together. The exercise reflects the growing emphasis on unmanned systems, electronic warfare and information-related threats in modern military planning. The inclusion of cyberattacks and disinformation in the scenarios suggests that the three militaries are preparing for conflicts that extend beyond conventional battlefield tactics.

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The maritime seizure drill also points to a broader approach to security, covering land, air and sea operations in one coordinated framework. Karabakh remains a sensitive and strategically significant area, and the choice of Hojavend district gives the exercise added political weight. Joint drills of this kind can serve both operational and diplomatic purposes, signalling closer defence ties between the three states.

They also provide a public demonstration of interoperability at a time when regional security arrangements are under close scrutiny. What remains unclear is whether the exercise will lead to further joint training or new defence cooperation measures among the three countries. No casualties or incidents were reported in the material provided.

The main point to watch is whether the participating militaries build on this first exercise with more regular coordination and expanded scenarios in future drills.

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