BAKU, Azerbaijan - President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan and Britain are opening a new area of bilateral cooperation focused on the defense industry, including possible joint ventures in Azerbaijan.
Aliyev made the remarks Sept. 30 in Baku during a meeting with British Minister of State for Defence Lord Vernon Coaker, according to Vesti Baku.
The president said Azerbaijan has invested in its domestic defense industry for more than 20 years and now manufactures products for both domestic use and export.
Arms, Equipment and Joint Production
Baku is considering cooperation with major companies on supplies of modern weapons and equipment, as well as the creation of joint enterprises inside Azerbaijan, Aliyev said. He identified Britain as an important potential partner in that effort.
Coaker described Azerbaijan as an important friend of Britain and confirmed London’s interest in continuing the relationship. He also noted British participation in the ADEX 2026 and Securex Caspian exhibitions.
The two countries had already identified defense-industry development, training, cybersecurity and maritime security as priorities. In a December 2025 interview, Coaker said Britain’s lifting of its arms embargo had opened opportunities to discuss equipment, technology and industrial cooperation, Report.az reported.
No companies, investment amounts or project deadlines were announced after the Sept. 30 meeting.