PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan stated that Armenia has no intention of entering an arms race with any country, including Azerbaijan.
"This is the position of our government. But that does not mean Armenia is halting arms purchases, military modernization, or technical upgrades," Papikyan said at a press conference, as reported by Panorama.am .
He referred to "telling figures" already shared that demonstrate Armenia's military investments.
"Armed forces always have plans A, B, and C. But I don't see any contradiction between our policies and current realities that would force us to pivot drastically," he said.
Papikyan stated that the reduction in compulsory military service does not mean the army's overall size is shrinking. "The reduction in conscription doesn't imply a reduction in forces. We're continuing recruitment on a contractual basis," he said.
According to the minister, this approach is part of a broader transformation, making the military a more professional structure. Construction along the border will also continue.
Addressing the presence of Azerbaijani forces within Armenia's territory, Papikyan said the issue must be resolved within the framework of the border delimitation commission.
He reported that Armenia's 2025 defense budget totaled 664 billion drams (about $1.74 billion). Compared to 2018, this reflects an increase of around $1.1 billion.
The 2026 state budget proposes a 15% cut in military spending, a move previously criticized by the opposition, who claimed it was made under Azerbaijani pressure. Papikyan dismissed that claim, stating the reduction does not signal weakened defense capacity.
He also presented changes to the "Defend the Homeland" program. Under the current model, servicemembers sign a 5-year contract and receive 5 million drams at the end. The revised program proposes an additional 2- or 5-year extension.
"A two-year extension will bring an additional 1.5 million drams, and five years will add another 5 million, totaling 10 million drams over 10 years," he said.
Responding to questions about the army's involvement in domestic politics, Papikyan emphasized that the armed forces have no right to interfere in politics.
Commenting on the participation of Karen Shakaryan in a January 6 march led by the prime minister, Papikyan said: "It was a personal choice to take part in a non-political event on a non-working day."
Regarding reports that Shakaryan was stripped of his Hero of Artsakh title by decree of the Artsakh president, Papikyan responded: "I do not recognize the existence of such an institution."
On his own participation, Papikyan said he attended as a citizen, a member of the Civil Contract party, and the defense minister. "I'm also a political figure. I don't wear military insignia, and I'm not a soldier," he added.
Papikyan previously stated that military death rates in 2025 dropped by 40% compared to 2024.
Source: PanArmenian.Net
