Azerbaijan Signals Interest in Expanding Defense Cooperation With Bosnia and Herzegovina
Azerbaijan is exploring new defense-industry partnerships with Bosnia and Herzegovina following a high-level meeting in Sarajevo. The Azerbaijani delegation expressed interest in ammunition producers Igman, Pretis, and Ginex, as both sides prepare a broader military cooperation framework for 2026.
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Azerbaijan are preparing to deepen their defense ties after a high-level meeting in Sarajevo between Bosnia’s Minister of Defense Zukan Helez and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defense Zakir Hasanov. The visit included the signing of a Letter of Intent aimed at formalizing bilateral military cooperation in 2025, with a specific focus on Bosnia’s growing defense-industrial sector.
According to the Bosnian Ministry of Defense, Azerbaijan expressed clear interest in products manufactured by several leading Bosnian defense companies, including Igman (Konjic), Pretis (Vogosca), and Ginex (Gorazde). These companies produce ammunition, explosives, and components widely used in NATO and international markets.
During the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation requested a detailed overview of Bosnia’s current defense-industrial capacities, production lines, and export potential. A field visit to Igman Konjic is scheduled, where the delegation will review ammunition production and potential areas of cooperation.
Helez stated that Bosnia intends to diversify its defense partnerships beyond its traditional cooperation with EU and U.S. partners, adding that improved military-industrial relations with Azerbaijan could support exports, strengthen production capacities, and contribute to job creation.
Both sides also discussed cooperation in humanitarian demining, as Bosnia and Azerbaijan continue to grapple with mine-affected areas left from past conflicts. Joint demining training and exchange of operational experience are under consideration.
Minister Hasanov emphasized that Azerbaijan sees Bosnia and Herzegovina as a credible and reliable partner, noting that Baku is interested in long-term cooperation across defense production, training, and military-to-military engagement.
If formal agreements are signed in 2025, this could mark one of the most significant new defense-industry partnerships for Bosnia and Herzegovina outside its traditional Western partners—opening a new export channel for the country’s state-owned ammunition producers.
