By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA

The air forces of Azerbaijan and Turkey began on Monday to perform joint military exercises, Azeri Defense Ministry said.

Called TurAz Qartali 2017 (TurAz Eagle 2017), the joint flight and tactical exercises will last until Sept. 30, a statement said.

Up to 30 aircraft including MiG-29, F-16, Su-25, C-130 Hercules, and CASA CN-235 aircraft, as well as Mi-35, Mi-17 and Sikorsky S-70 helicopters will take part in the drill.

Azerbaijan's Defense Minister Col. Gen. Zakir Hasanov said the exercise played an "important" role in the exchange of experience between the armed forces of the two countries, according to the statement.