YEREVAN, OCTOBER 21, ARMENPRESS. The Rocket and Artillery troops and Armored Services of the Armenian Armed Forces are ready to fulfill any military duty on the highest level, Colonel Zorayr Gabrielyan – Head of the Operation and Planning Department of the Armored Services of the Weaponry Department of Armed Forces told a press conference in ARMENPRESS.

The Colonel says operations of heavy military equipment during military operations in the battlefield are usually covered, however people who ensure the successful operations of tank units are often left behind the scenes.

“The Armored Services has passed a difficult path. After the collapse of the Soviet period, in half-joking words 9 and a half tanks were left to us. The main replenishment was done by seized enemy equipment. Until 1994, 70 percent of the equipment was seized from the adversary”, Colonel Gabrielyan said.

According to him, the main achievement of these years is the establishment of a comprehensive armored system. The Colonel says works are underway with scientific manufacturing companies, to present the concept , which should be the base for modernizing the equipment. Works on upgrading tanks have also began in recent years. The main emphasis is on local sources, by cooperating with international organizations also.

The combat readiness of the Rocket – Artillery Forces is also on a high level. Chief of Staff of the Rocket Forces and Artillery of the Armenian Armed Forces Artavazd Yaghmuryan says the past 24 years were difficult but productive.

“ During the imposed military operations of 1992, experienced artillerists gathered around a few number of resources. They carried out their duty with honor during difficult battles, and forced the adversary to kneel. During that difficult period, the type of troops were formed, specialists trained in various countries, and today we have skilled artillerists. These units, which were formed and improved during 24 years, excellently carried out their duties during the operations in April”, he said.

He noted that the young generation was able to act skillfully, and was able to force the adversary to distance itself from its program. Artillerists were able to silence the adversary by accurate fire.

“During those days, when the artillery forces were brought to high alert, this was also a factor which forced the adversary to refuse military operations. The Armenian Army forced the adversary to ask for ceasefire by suppressing it”, Yaghmuryan said.

He stressed, that today soldiers carry out their duties with honor and pride.

The Artillery forces are equipped with modern resources and highly-skilled crew.