Analyst criticizes Armenia's defense spending cut as 'dangerous gamble'

Political analyst Suren Sargsyan has criticized the Armenian government’s plans to cut its defense spending next year, calling it adventurism given Azerbaijan’s growing military budget and rising global security tensions.

In a social media post on Friday, Sargsyan argued the proposed reduction is driven less by strategic considerations and more by the government’s desire to showcase its “peace agenda” to both domestic and international audiences. 

Citing the United States as an example, Sargsyan noted that Washington is overhauling its defense posture. He pointed to the renaming of the Department of Defense to the “Department of War”, which reflects a fundamental shift in U.S. strategic thinking. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has declared that his department's sole mission is to prepare for war, championing a "peace through strength" doctrine.

Sargsyan also highlighted President Donald Trump’s pledge to allocate an unprecedented $1 trillion to defense in 2026.

“In light of these developments, Armenia’s decision to cut its defense budget looks more like a dangerous gamble,” he stated.