Armenian parliament committee backs plan to cut military service

The Armenian National Assembly’s Defense and Security Committee has approved a government proposal to shorten mandatory military service from two years to 18 months amid opposition concerns over the long-term impact on the country’s security.

Presenting the reform package on Monday, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan said the change is part of broader armed-forces modernization efforts and would ultimately increase available manpower. He insisted that data from the Homeland Defender contract-service program shows a “positive balance” of more than 1,000 personnel in 2024–2025, arguing that service has become “significantly more attractive”.

MP Tigran Abrahamyan of the opposition Pativ Unem faction pressed the ministry to release full data on contract-service retention and conscription levels, warning that reducing service time could carry long-term security risks unless offset by stronger recruitment.

Papikyan said the figures remain classified because publishing them would reveal total troop numbers, but rejected claims that the reforms weaken the army.

Ruling Civil Contract party MP Armen Khachatryan welcomed the reduction as a social benefit, saying that “returning six months to a young person’s life” allows earlier family formation, education and economic activity.

Committee chair Andranik Kocharyan added that, following the same logic, some might call for even deeper cuts.

Abrahamyan countered by citing another unfulfilled government pledge from its 2021 program – active engagement with the CSTO by 2026 – suggesting that commitments on paper do not always translate into practice.

The committee ultimately issued a positive recommendation, clearing the way for a full parliamentary vote.