Armenia not seeking arms race with Azerbaijan, says defense minister

Armenia has no intention of entering an arms race with Azerbaijan but will continue modernizing its armed forces, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan said on Tuesday, summing up 2025.

Papikyan stressed that the government’s decision to reduce the length of compulsory military service does not mean a downsizing of the army. “The replenishment of the armed forces continues on a contractual basis,” he said, adding that the aim is to gradually transform the military into a professional force.

Asked about weapons procurement, Papikyan said: “First of all, I am not going to enter into a race with any country, including Azerbaijan. This is the position of our government. At the same time, it does not mean that the Republic of Armenia is stopping the purchase of armaments, military equipment, or the modernization of the army.”

He noted that the ministry had already presented “telling figures” as evidence of ongoing acquisitions.

Papikyan added that the armed forces always maintain contingency plans but said he saw no contradiction between the current policy and strategic planning. “I think everything will proceed as we forecast,” he said.