Rail Rzayev
Encyclopedia
Lieutenant General
Rail Rzayev Gurban oglu was the Commander of the Azerbaijani Air Force from shortly after Azerbaijan's independence in the early 1990s, to his death in 2009.
, Azerbaijan
. After completing his secondary education in Sumgayit in 1962, he was enrolled in the Aircraft Electronics and Communication Systems(FRELA) school of USSR Aviation Academy named after Orzhenikidze. After graduating from the academy in 1966, he was directed to serve at Baku Airforce District. In Baku, he worked as the Senior Technician and then served as the Deputy Commander of a Division.
In 1975, he entered the Zhukov Command Academy of Air Defense Forces. Upon graduation he was appointed a Division Commander and from 1980 through 1992, he held several high ranking positions at various military units of the Soviet Airforce.
. He was appointed the Chief of Department of Azerbaijani Air and Air Defense Forces. According to the Presidential
Decree from 1993, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan Republic
and Commander of Azerbaijani Air and Air Defense Forces
, a position which he held until his death in 2009.
. He's creditted for his outstanding work in establishing and modernizing the Azerbaiani Airforce. He was awarded with Azerbaijani Flag Order
and Veten Ughrunda Medal (In the Name of Motherland) for service to his country.
home on February 11, 2009.
Investigators suspect Rzayev may have been killed by his subordinates. Suspects include his assistant and aide-de-camp
.
Lieutenant General
Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General....
Rail Rzayev Gurban oglu was the Commander of the Azerbaijani Air Force from shortly after Azerbaijan's independence in the early 1990s, to his death in 2009.
Early life
Rzayev was born on March 10, 1945 in BakuBaku
Baku , sometimes spelled as Baki or Bakou, is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea and of the Caucasus region. It is located on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, which projects into the Caspian Sea. The city consists of two principal...
, Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan , officially the Republic of Azerbaijan is the largest country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to...
. After completing his secondary education in Sumgayit in 1962, he was enrolled in the Aircraft Electronics and Communication Systems(FRELA) school of USSR Aviation Academy named after Orzhenikidze. After graduating from the academy in 1966, he was directed to serve at Baku Airforce District. In Baku, he worked as the Senior Technician and then served as the Deputy Commander of a Division.
In 1975, he entered the Zhukov Command Academy of Air Defense Forces. Upon graduation he was appointed a Division Commander and from 1980 through 1992, he held several high ranking positions at various military units of the Soviet Airforce.
Azerbaijani Army
In 1992, Rail Rzayev started his career in Azerbaijani Armed ForcesAzerbaijani Armed Forces
The Azerbaijani Armed Forces were re-established according to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the Armed Forces from 9 October 1991. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic had originally formed its own armed forces from 26 June 1918...
. He was appointed the Chief of Department of Azerbaijani Air and Air Defense Forces. According to the Presidential
President of Azerbaijan
The country of Azerbaijan is a presidential republic, with the President of Azerbaijan as the head of state, and the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan as head of government...
Decree from 1993, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan Republic
Minister of Defense (Azerbaijan)
The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani government ministry, associated with the Azerbaijani military. The ministry is responsible for keeping Azerbaijan defended against external threats, preserving its territorial integrity, waging war on behalf of Azerbaijan , and the...
and Commander of Azerbaijani Air and Air Defense Forces
Azerbaijani Air and Air Defence Force
The Azerbaijani Air and Air Defence Force often referred to as the Azerbaijani Air Force is the air force and air defence force of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces....
, a position which he held until his death in 2009.
Ranks and awards
In 1994, Rzayev was promoted to General Major, in 2002 he was given the rank of Lieutenant GeneralLieutenant General
Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General....
. He's creditted for his outstanding work in establishing and modernizing the Azerbaiani Airforce. He was awarded with Azerbaijani Flag Order
Azerbaijani Flag Order
Azerbaijani Flag Order , is an award presented by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.-History and status:Azerbaijani Flag order was among several medals and orders, requested to be reviewed and created by the President Abulfaz Elchibey on November 10, 1992 by a Presidential Decree No. 370....
and Veten Ughrunda Medal (In the Name of Motherland) for service to his country.
Death
He was shot and killed outside his BakuBaku
Baku , sometimes spelled as Baki or Bakou, is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea and of the Caucasus region. It is located on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, which projects into the Caspian Sea. The city consists of two principal...
home on February 11, 2009.
Investigators suspect Rzayev may have been killed by his subordinates. Suspects include his assistant and aide-de-camp
Aide-de-camp
An aide-de-camp is a personal assistant, secretary, or adjutant to a person of high rank, usually a senior military officer or a head of state...
.