In August 2025, the Naval Forces of Azerbaijan conducted exercises in the Caspian Sea involving special forces units and live-fire drills. According to official information, the primary objective was to practice the protection of oil infrastructure, underscoring the strategic importance of energy assets for the country. Minister of Defence Zakir Hasanov visited the exercise area, emphasising their priority status for national security.
Energy infrastructure, including offshore platforms and main export pipelines, is of critical importance for Azerbaijan’s economy and Europe’s energy security. As the EU reduces its dependence on Russian energy resources, the role of Azerbaijani supplies is increasing, which in turn raises political risks. Past experience — from the 2008 sabotage of the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline to threats made in previous years by certain Armenian and other political figures — shows that oil infrastructure can be considered a potential target.
The current situation in the Caspian region is also marked by rising tensions. Russia uses the Caspian Sea to launch missiles at Ukrainian territory, while the Caspian Flotilla serves as a reserve for the Black Sea Fleet. In addition, Caspian ports, including those in Iran, are used to transport drones, their components, and other munitions. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have already struck military facilities in Kaspiysk and Astrakhan, illustrating the expanding geographical scope of the conflict.
Although Azerbaijan is not officially involved in hostilities related to Ukraine, the incident of 25 December 2024 — when Russian air defences near Grozny shot down an Azerbaijani civilian aircraft, killing 38 people — demonstrates indirect risks. Against this backdrop, the possibility of threats to Azerbaijani energy assets, including offshore infrastructure in the Caspian, cannot be ruled out.
Azerbaijan’s Caspian sector is of interest not only to the country itself, but also to major global players — from the EU to China — as well as to transnational corporations. This makes regional security a matter of multi-level responsibility and cooperation.
The naval component of national defence plays a key role in ensuring this security. The development of Azerbaijan’s Navy, regular exercises, cooperation with partners, and continuous threat assessment together form a comprehensive system for protecting the country’s energy and logistical interests. In the current environment, Baku’s ability to respond quickly to challenges and prevent risks is a significant factor for regional stability, and the demonstrated readiness to do so serves as a deterrent in itself.
