Republic party leader Aram Sargsyan presented his party’s election program, outlining key proposed changes in Armenia’s security and defense policy.
He said one of the top priorities should be withdrawing from the joint air defense system with Russia, according to Factor.am .
“We must withdraw from the unified air defense agreement with Russia. It is no coincidence that this is the first point in our program. Not the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) first, but exiting the joint air defense system with Russia. Especially when the prime minister himself admitted that during the 44-day war, air defense systems in Armenia were switched off. Naturally, it was not Armenians who did it, but Russians,” Sargsyan said.
He stressed that without resolving this issue, weapons purchased by Armenia may not be fully effective.
“No matter what weapons we buy—from India or France—they could quickly turn into scrap metal, because we remain vulnerable in the air, and relatively cheap drones can destroy them in a short time,” he added.
Sargsyan also emphasized the importance of leaving the Collective Security Treaty Organization, stating that this should be done within one to two years.
“We see that within a maximum of two years, Armenia must withdraw from the CSTO. The organization has not justified itself during the attacks initiated by Azerbaijan against Armenia’s territory after 2020. Moreover, the CSTO has not recognized Armenia’s territory—at one point citing an incorrect request, at another that borders were not delimited. Therefore, as a military structure, it has not justified itself at all,” he said.
Sargsyan also addressed structural reforms in the army, highlighting the importance of transitioning to a professional military.
“The Republic of Armenia should move to a professional army model within the next five years. This is called an intensive transition. There are examples. Poland transitioned to a fully professional army within five years. We consider this fully realistic and see clear paths for implementation,” he noted.
Parliamentary elections in Armenia are scheduled for June 7, 2026.
