Azerbaijani Navy

The Azerbaijan Navy (Azeri: Azərbaycan Hərbi Dəniz Qüvvələri) is the Naval component of the Military of Azerbaijan operating in the Caspian Sea.

History

The inception of Azerbaijani Naval Forces dates back to August 5, 1918 when the government of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic established the navy force on the basis of Russian Imperial fleet deployed in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea. The navy had 6 ships. After establishment of Soviet rule in Azerbaijan, the navy was transferred under jurisdiction of Soviet Navy. In 1991, with collapse of the Soviet Union, the Azerbaijani fleet of Soviet Navy was divided between Azerbaijan and Russian Federation. In July 1992, the Azerbaijani ships were put into operation under Azerbaijani Flag raiding the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea.According to the Presidential Decree of Heydar Aliyev from 1996, August 5 was declared the Day of Azerbaijani Navy. As of today, Azerbaijani Navy is considered second strongest in the Caspian Sea after Russian fleet.

Jane's Fighting Ships said in their entry for the Azeri Navy in their 2001-2002 edition that 'the Coast Guard was formed in July 2002 with ships transferred from the Caspian Flotilla and the Border Guard. By 1995 overall control had been resumed by the Russians in order to provide adequate maintenance and support. The aim is to be independent again in due course.'Jane's Fighting Ships, 2001-2002 edition, p.35 It...
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