Armenia should not rely on others for air defense, says top brass on ex-government's Russia deal

Armenia’s air defense capabilities are stronger today than they were before 2018, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Edward Asryan said on Tuesday, stressing that the country must rely on its own resources to protect its airspace.

Asked about a defense deal with Russia inked over a decade ago by the previous government, the general said that Armenia must rely exclusively on its own capabilities to ensure its air defense, missile defense and counter-drone protection.

“When it comes to Armenia’s air defense, missile defense and counter-drone systems, we must rely solely on ourselves,” the top general said when asked by reporters whether the military reforms envision a separation of the joint air defense system with Russia, which has been in force since 2015.

“We should not rely on anyone else. We must become strong enough to be able to independently carry out the tasks assigned to us on the territory of Armenia,” the Chief of the General Staff said.