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Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan said that 2025 was a significant year for ongoing defense reforms in Armenia, highlighting the shortening of mandatory military service from 24 to 18 months as a crucial development in the history of the country.
The minister underscored that the decision to reduce the service term to 18 months was made back in 2021 and included in the Pashinyan Administration’s 2021–2026 program. According to him, this initiative became possible thanks to the reforms carried out in the defense sector.
“I have had the opportunity to address the criticisms regarding the transition to 18-month mandatory military service. However, this decision is part of the Government’s program, and its implementation has depended on the results of the reforms we have carried out,” Papikyan said.
He added that a vivid example of these reforms is the “Homeland Defender” program, as well as the increase in the number of individuals involved in mandatory military service, which is due to both qualitative and quantitative changes in the recruitment process. The minister noted that these factors fully address the concerns raised by both the public and experts.
Papikyan emphasized that the Ministry of Defense could not have implemented such a measure without the coordination and input of the General Staff of the Armed Forces.
Recruits for mandatory military service will serve for 18 months starting January 1, 2026.