During the Republic Day military parade in Yerevan, units of the recently established unmanned aerial vehicle forces marched through Republic Square under the command of Colonel Koryun Piliposyan, a recipient of the Medal of Courage.
The parade featured several types of UAVs, including Armenian-made systems. The “Kaytsak” drone is designed to strike both stationary and moving targets and can destroy targets at a depth of up to 17 kilometers, Factor.am reports.
The event also showcased the “Meghu-5” unmanned aerial vehicle produced by the Armenian company Aerodynamics.
The “Meghu-5” is intended to destroy armored vehicles and enemy personnel. It can reach speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour and operate within a 40-kilometer radius.
The drone is equipped with artificial intelligence elements that allow it to quickly orient itself on the battlefield and strike targets more effectively.
The system can also use a relay station, enabling missions to be carried out with greater efficiency and reduced risk for operators.
Special forces units and French-made Bastion armored vehicles also participated in the parade on Republic Square.
The Bastion armored vehicle is described as a representative of a new generation of light armored vehicles. It is armed with 12.7 mm M2 machine guns and equipped with firing ports for shooting from inside the vehicle.
The Bastion is a multifunctional armored vehicle designed to rapidly transport personnel across difficult terrain, conduct reconnaissance, provide fire support, and carry out command and patrol missions.
According to the presentation, the vehicle has improved the operational effectiveness of special forces by enhancing mobility, secrecy, surprise capabilities and the ability to carry out complex missions with limited personnel.
The armored hull is covered with a fully welded protective layer that provides third-level ballistic protection. Its V-shaped structure and specially designed tires improve crew protection against anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, as well as improvised explosive devices.
To increase crew survivability, the vehicle is also equipped with blast-resistant seats.
Yerevan hosted a military parade dedicated to the Day of the First Republic of Armenia, held for the first time in the past decade. The parade featured weapons and military equipment acquired from Russia, India, France, Iran, China and other countries.
The previous military parade in the capital was held on September 21, 2016, marking the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.
