MILITARY-POLITICAL ASPECTS OF THE PATRIOTIC WAR

The article analyzes the history of army building, the development of military education, and the innovations in this field as key aspects of the institutional development of Azerbaijan following the restoration of its independence. The authors investigate the goals and outcomes of the systematic reforms implemented in the field of officer training under the leadership of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who played a pivotal role in executing these vital tasks. Utilizing historical-chronological, systematic approach, and comparative analysis methods, this research provides a comprehensive examination of Azerbaijan's military development and defense education strategy within the framework of its dynamic progression from the early years of independence to the post-war period. Furthermore, the article examines the activities of President Ilham Aliyev, analyzing his efforts as the head of state toward strengthening the independent nation. It interprets the tasks arising from the national security concept and the fundamental principles of Ilham Aliyev's foreign policy course. Special emphasis is placed on the national security of the Republic of Azerbaijan in recent years, the construction work within the Armed Forces, and the development and organization of new requirements for officer training. The authors have set as their primary objective the study of measures taken to achieve successful foreign policy, the creation of new cooperation formats, active participation in global projects, ensuring national security, and attaining significant innovations in post-war army building as a result of rapid development across all sectors of independent statehood in Azerbaijan. At the same time, the article highlights the 44-day Patriotic War and the 2023 local anti-terror measures successfully concluded through the multifaceted and intensive activities of President Ilham Aliyev as major historical achievements in the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and state sovereignty.