Diversification of armaments a key pillar of security architecture, says defense minister

The expansion of military-technical cooperation and the diversification of armaments are among the main directions of Armenia’s security architecture, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan said in parliament.

“The expansion of military-technical ties and the diversification of armaments are key pillars of our security architecture. Guided by this logic, we continue our efforts to modernize the armaments of the Armed Forces and to strengthen cooperation with new partners,” Papikyan said at the 2026 state budget bill debate.

According to the minister, local defense industry development is also in focus.

“In 2022, we had contracts worth approximately 5.5 billion drams with local defense industry companies. That figure has now reached 171 billion drams,” Papikyan said.

He reaffirmed that the sole objective of the Armed Forces is the protection of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Armenia.