Defense Minister: Armenia won’t engage in arms race with any country

The Republic of Armenia does not intend to enter an arms race with any country, including Azerbaijan, but will continue modernizing its military, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has said.

Papikyan said at a press conference that the decision to forgo an arms race is a clear Government position. “We do not intend to enter an arms race with any country, including Azerbaijan, and this is the Government’s stance,” he said.

At the same time, Papikyan emphasized that this in no way implies a withdrawal from developing the country’s defense capabilities. He stated that Armenia will continue purchasing weapons and military equipment, as well as modernizing its armed forces.

The Minister also noted that substantial figures have already been published in this regard, which, according to him, serve as a clear demonstration of these efforts.