Baku, November 4, AZERTAC A Republican Scientific and Practical Conference entitled “Current Issues in Defense and National Security”, dedicated to Victory Day on November 8, has opened at the National Defense University (NDU), bringing together representatives of various government institutions, as well as military and civilian educational establishments, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense told AZERTAC.Before the conference, participants laid flowers at the monument to National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the memorial complex dedicated to the martyrs of the Patriotic War.Addressing the opening ceremony, Rector of the National Defense University Major General Gunduz Abdulov highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation, coordinated efforts and the exchange of scientific and practical expertise in ensuring defense and national security. He also addressed contemporary security challenges, cybersecurity, protection of the information environment, preparedness to counter hybrid threats, the application of advanced technologies in military command and control, and the training of highly qualified military personnel.Panel discussions on “Current Issues in Defense and National Security” were held as part of the conference. Participants exchanged views on the changing operational environment and the future battlespace, the professional military education system, competency-based personnel training, the digital army and modern defense technologies, artificial intelligence solutions, cybersecurity, and prospects for the development of military science.The Republican Scientific and Practical Conference will continue with thematic sessions until November 5. Particular emphasis will be placed on discussing current scientific issues in defense and national security, exchanging expertise, and strengthening interagency cooperation.