Speaking to reporters, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan stated that the Armed Forces of Armenia already possess certain weaponry and are awaiting further deliveries.
“Su-30 fighter jets are very capable aircraft. I place high value on their role and believe they can play a major part in both our air defense and in protecting our country’s territorial integrity,” Papikyan said, as reported by Aysor.am .
Regarding the increase in quantities, the minister declined to disclose information on ongoing arms and military equipment purchases at this stage.
“However, I assure you that the Armed Forces of Armenia will continue to be equipped with modern technology. While we are acquiring new weaponry and striving to align it with NATO standards, this does not mean we are abandoning our existing arsenal. We will continue updating and adapting it alongside the new acquisitions,” Papikyan added.
Touching on Armenia’s self-defense capabilities, he emphasized that the country relies on its own strength and sees peace as the main path to mitigating security risks. His comments came in response to a question about whether Armenia is prepared to handle war scenarios in the absence of allied support, according to 1lurer.am .
“We rely on ourselves, and naturally, in this context, we consider peace to be the route that neutralizes the risks you mentioned,” Papikyan said.
The minister stressed that the acquired weapons are defensive in nature and include various types of drones and other military systems.
“As for the weaponry, it is diverse and clearly defensive — ranging from multiple types of UAVs to other armaments. I can say they are highly competitive and are already drawing interest from many countries,” Papikyan noted.
He reiterated that the arms buildup is a continuous process essential to building a modern, professional army.
“Arming continues and must continue, because without weaponry, a professional army is impossible,” the defense minister concluded.
In 2025, Armenia’s defense spending reached 664 billion drams, or approximately $1.741 billion. Papikyan noted that this represents an increase of about $1.1 billion compared to 2018.
According to the 2026 draft state budget, defense expenditures are set to decrease by more than 15%, a move previously criticized by the opposition. Critics argued that this reduction stemmed from demands by Azerbaijan. However, Papikyan insisted that the cut does not signify weakened defense capabilities.
