ADefenceIndependent states
Defence industry of Azerbaijan
A sector built up since the Ministry of Defence Industry was founded in 2005 — from the Istiglal rifle to Zarba drones.
The Ministry of Defence Industry was established on 16 December 2005. Its enterprises produce small arms, ammunition, mortars, optical devices and armoured vehicles.
One of the best-known local products is the Istiglal anti-materiel sniper rifle, developed in 2008 and unveiled in 2009. AZAD Systems, set up in 2011 with Israel's Aeronautics, makes Orbiter and Aerostar reconnaissance drones and, since 2016, the Zarba loitering munition.
Azerbaijan is expanding defence-industry cooperation with Türkiye through joint production and technology-sharing projects.
Sources
Updated: October 1, 2026