Dimensions and Goals of the Series of Joint IRGC Ground Forces Exercises in the South Caucasus

The IRGC Ground Forces have demonstrated their power to defend Iran’s territory by holding a series of exercises in the South Caucasus.

News ID: 86186

Date: 20 May 2025 - 09:10

TEHRAN (Defapress) - In recent years, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces have sought to enhance their capabilities in countering border threats through joint military exercises. Joint military drills have always served as a strategic tool to showcase defensive capabilities, increase combat readiness, strengthen security cooperation, and send political messages to regional and extra-regional actors. The joint exercise between the IRGC Ground Forces and the Republic of Azerbaijan, given the geographical location and security significance of the Caucasus region, pursues multiple objectives.

Strengthening Security and Military Cooperation Between Iran and Regional Countries

One of the most important objectives of this exercise is to expand defense cooperation between the two countries. Due to their shared historical, cultural, and religious ties, Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan have common security interests in the region. This exercise could be a step toward solidifying bilateral relations and building mutual trust in the security domain. Additionally, joint drills improve coordination between the two countries' forces in potential future operations. The IRGC Ground Forces can benefit from Azerbaijan’s military expertise in areas such as urban warfare and countering asymmetric threats.

Demonstrating Iran’s Deterrence Power in the Caucasus

The South Caucasus is considered one of the world’s most strategic regions due to its proximity to Russia, Turkey, and Iran. Iran’s active presence in the region through joint exercises sends a clear message to regional and extra-regional actors about its military power and security influence, especially as some regional countries have, in recent years, sought to alter the geopolitics of the Caucasus under labels such as the "Zangezur Corridor." However, these exercises can change the miscalculation of the enemies.

Deterring External Threats

This series of exercises could serve as a warning to countries that may challenge Iran’s security interests in the Caucasus. Moreover, given the region’s sensitive situation and the questionable stances of some neighboring countries, these drills demonstrate Iran’s ability to forge new security alliances.

Countering Shared Security Threats with Neighboring Countries

The Caucasus faces numerous security challenges, including terrorism, arms and drug trafficking, and ethnic-religious tensions. Thus, this exercise could be designed as training to counter such threats. Furthermore, the forces of both countries can enhance their capabilities in countering Takfiri and separatist groups by simulating counterterrorism operations. Given the shared border between Iran and Azerbaijan, these drills could improve border control and combat smuggling.

Enhancing the Combat Readiness of the IRGC Ground Forces

Participation in international exercises provides military forces with an opportunity to test their capabilities in newer and more diverse conditions. The IRGC Ground Forces can also use this opportunity to experiment with modern combat tactics. Additionally, employing weapons and communication systems in different operational environments helps identify their strengths and weaknesses.

Advancing Iran’s Defense Diplomacy

Joint exercises are not merely military drills but also a tool for advancing defense diplomacy. These exercises reflect Iran’s willingness to engage in security cooperation with neighboring countries. They can also help reduce tensions and increase military interactions between the two countries while preventing security misunderstandings.

Political Messages of the Joint Exercise

1- Demonstrating solidarity between Iran and Azerbaijan in preserving territorial integrity and regional security.

2- Responding to the military maneuvers of adversaries (this exercise could serve as a response to the military activities of illegitimate regimes such as the Zionist regime).

The joint exercise between the IRGC Ground Forces and the Republic of Azerbaijan goes beyond a routine military drill, carrying strategic dimensions in security, political, and diplomatic spheres. For the IRGC Ground Forces, this exercise is an opportunity to enhance combat capabilities, demonstrate deterrence power, expand regional cooperation, and counter shared threats. At the same time, this move can help solidify Iran’s relations with its neighbors and elevate the country’s regional standing.

Amid the complex security developments in the region, such exercises can serve as an effective tool for maintaining stability and security. The IRGC Ground Forces, leveraging the capabilities of the Mirza Kuchak Khan Special Forces Brigade, have showcased their prowess in confronting adversaries, making this a valuable tool for countering threats in the South Caucasus.

Brigadier General Vali Ma'dani, Deputy of Operations of the IRGC Ground Forces, stated in this regard: "The Mirza Kuchak Khan Brigade is participating in the operation as a powerful unit, and given its capabilities, the IRGC Ground Forces commander emphasized its redeployment in this exercise."

The commander of the Mirza Kuchak Khan Brigade of the IRGC Ground Forces also stated: "The Mirza Kuchak Khan Special Forces Brigade is fully prepared to carry out missions with all its capabilities. Drawing on its valuable experience and specialized training in exercises, it seeks to display strength in the Karabakh region while gaining combat experience during the Iran-Azerbaijan exercise."