Armenia recorded 30 deaths among its military personnel in 2025, minister says

Armenia recorded 30 deaths among its military personnel in 2025, six of them linked to service-related circumstances, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference, Papikyan said the remaining 24 deaths occurred in circumstances not related to military service.

Detailing the six service-related cases, he said one soldier died after being struck by lightning, one from electrocution, two from suicide and two due to health-related issues.

Papikyan said he could not accept any deaths in the armed forces, but noted that the total number of military deaths in 2025 was down 40% compared with 2024.

Despite two deaths during the year linked to health problems, Papikyan described as positive a new law allowing the conscription of individuals with certain health conditions, saying it was aimed at improving overall force management.

The defense minister also commented on a deadly fire at a military barracks in the village of Azat in 2023, calling it a personal tragedy that continues to affect him.

“There is an ongoing judicial process. If the court uncovers new circumstances, we will take them into account. If it confirms the preliminary version that has been presented, we will also accept that, and it will serve as a lesson to help us prevent such incidents in the future,” Papikyan said.