On December 23, Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) hosted a panel discussion titled “Sovereignty and the Defense Industry: 20 Years of Progress”, organized within the framework of the “Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty” and in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Ministry of Defense Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The event began with a one-minute moment of silence in honor of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the heroic sons of the Motherland who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by the national anthem.
Speeches were delivered by AzTU Rector Vilayat Valiyev; Nijat Mammadli, Chairman of the Management Board of the Education Development Fund under the Ministry of Science and Education; Arif Babayev, Advisor to the Minister of Defense Industry; and Member of Parliament Hikmet Babaoglu.
The speakers highlighted the fundamental role of the Constitution and sovereignty in the formation of Azerbaijan as an independent state, the significance of the national statehood strategy defined by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and the full restoration of the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty as a result of the successful continuation of this political course by His Excellency President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev.
The discussions reviewed the development path of Azerbaijan’s defense industry over the past 20 years, providing information on efforts to establish this strategic sector, expand production and technological capacities, and organize the production of innovative and high-tech military products. It was emphasized that the development of the defense industry plays a crucial role not only in ensuring the country’s defense capability and security but also in diversifying the economy and strengthening scientific and technological potential. At the same time, the importance of expanding cooperation between the Ministry of Defense Industry and higher education institutions in forming a qualified human resource base and promoting research activities was underlined.
Within the framework of the panel discussion, issues such as the application of innovations in the defense industry, the integration of digital technologies, and the involvement of young specialists in this field were also discussed.
At the end of the event, certificates of appreciation and commemorative gifts were presented to the panel speakers, as well as to a group of employees from the Ministry of Defense Industry and AzTU, and to students and graduates of the Faculty of Special Equipment and Technologies, in recognition of their active participation in the faculty’s activities.
