Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said before the military parade that Armenia’s new military-technical cooperation geography emerged as a result of policies based on the ideology of the “Real Armenia.”
According to Pashinyan, the international arms market opened to Armenia only after agreements reached in Prague on October 6, 2022, when Armenia and Azerbaijan recognized each other’s territorial integrity on the basis of the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration.
“Today’s parade-report will feature weapons and military equipment produced in seven countries,” Pashinyan stated, according to Sputnik Armenia.
He added that one of the key aspects of the parade was the display of military equipment manufactured in Armenia, which he said is already beginning to establish a position in international markets.
Pashinyan said Armenia had learned the lessons of its military history and was now demonstrating the results in practice. According to him, the current Armenian army is equipped with new weapons and technology, new uniforms, a new ideology, a new emblem, renewed morale and greater combat readiness.
The Armenian government also presented numerical data on reforms and modernization efforts within the armed forces, emphasizing increased defense spending, social programs and changes in military service.
The Defense Ministry budget for 2026 has increased by nearly 130 percent compared to 2018. Defense spending rose from 245.1 billion drams in 2018 to 563.1 billion drams in 2026.
Through a long-term preferential mortgage program launched in 2020, 2,179 servicemen have purchased apartments or houses.
Another 2,850 families are expected to receive housing in the coming years, with the government planning to resolve housing issues for all beneficiaries currently on the military housing waiting list.
Since the introduction of the armed forces certification system, 75 percent of participating servicemen have passed the required threshold and received higher salaries. Certification bonuses range from 205,000 to 470,000 drams.
Under the Homeland Defender program, thousands of servicemen have completed certification and joined different army units. After their first contracts expire, they will be able to extend service either for two years with a 1.5 million dram bonus or for five years with a 5 million dram bonus.
Before 2018, cadets at the Monte Melkonian Military Sports School received no scholarships. Currently, all students receive scholarships ranging from 15,000 to 45,000 drams depending on academic performance.
Cadets at the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy who previously could receive a maximum scholarship of 23,000 drams can now receive up to 175,000 drams. Beginning in 2026, academy graduates will also receive apartments.
Starting in 2026, Armenia’s mandatory military service period will be reduced from two years to one and a half years.
Leave periods for conscript soldiers have also been extended. Soldiers serving in combat duty positions will receive 30 days of leave, while others will receive 21 days. An additional two days of leave will also be granted in connection with the military oath ceremony.
In 2025, the number of conscripted servicemen increased by 25.3 percent compared to 2022.
The government also announced changes to military uniforms aimed at creating a modern and professional army culture.
On May 28, 1918, the Armenian National Council declared the establishment of the independent Republic of Armenia. Statehood was achieved after the battles of Bash-Aparan, Sardarapat and Gharakilisa. However, the First Republic existed only briefly. Armenia restored its independence in 1991 through a referendum held on September 21.
