International team focused on security issues formed under Samvel Karapetyan's leadership

Armenian businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan has pledged to increase the country’s defense budget and strengthen national security if elected prime minister, according to remarks made at the presentation of his party’s security program.

Speaking at the event, Aregha Hovsepyan, a member of the Strong Armenia party, said Karapetyan’s Strong Peace security platform prioritizes enhanced military spending amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region.

“Despite serious geopolitical shifts around Armenia and the growing risks of both old and new conflicts, the current government has chosen to reduce the defense budget,” Hovsepyan said.

She added that Karapetyan’s plan emphasizes border security as a foundational element of national safety, with a commitment to ensure round-the-clock protection using modern technologies.

The program also includes the creation of a dedicated cybersecurity service aimed at safeguarding Armenia’s digital infrastructure, communication systems and strategic networks.

Hovsepyan said Karapetyan has also pledged to secure the release of all Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan.

In addition, she stated that an international team focused on security issues has already been formed under Karapetyan’s leadership, with the aim of leveraging global expertise in support of Armenia’s national interests.

Karapetyan is the prime ministerial candidate of the Strong Armenia party.