The Azerbaijani army is conducting large-scale military drills, government sources said on Thursday.

The maneuvers involving simultaneously the country's ground force, navy and air force are led by the country's Defence Minister Safar Abiyev.

Further details about the drills were not released.

Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan has been trying to further develop its armed forces into a professional, well trained, and mobile military.

Azerbaijan has been undertaking extensive modernization and capacity expanding programs, with the military budget increasing from around $300 million in 2005 to $2.46 billion in 2009.