Azerbaijani Armed Forces Day Date in the current year: June 26, 2024

On May 28, 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic proclaimed its independence. The armed forces of the newly created republic were established a month later, on June 26, 1918. The country's de facto first Minister of Defense was Khosrov bey Sultanov.

In 1920, Azerbaijan was invaded by the Red Army. The Azerbaijan Army tried to resist the conquest, but eventually Soviet Russia annexed Azerbaijan and abolished its national army. 15 of 21 army generals were executed by the Bolshevik government.

The Azerbaijani Armed Forces were reestablished in early 1992 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1998, Azerbaijani Armed Forces Day was declared an official non-working holiday. It is celebrated with solemn speeches and military parades.

Currently, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan consist of three branches: the Azerbaijani Land Forces, the Azerbaijani Air and Air Defense Force, and the Azerbaijani Navy. There also are associated forces, which include the State Border Service, the Internal Troops and the National Guard.