Armenia's defense spending has increased by $1.1 billion over the past seven years: Minister
13.01.2026,
13:20
Armenia's defense spending has increased by approximately $1.1 billion over the past seven years, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan reported.
YEREVAN, January 13. /ARКА/. Armenia's defense spending has increased by approximately $1.1 billion over the past seven years, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan reported.
"In 2018 (the pre-revolutionary year), spending on these purposes amounted to 245 billion drams, and in 2025, it reached 664 billion drams (approximately $1.74 billion). This represents an increase of approximately $1.1 billion. There are frequent accusations that the defense sector is underfunded. These figures speak for themselves," Papikyan said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Speaking about the reforms implemented in 2025, the minister noted the reduction of the term of compulsory military service from two years to one and a half years.
According to him, a 19% increase in the number of conscripts was recorded in 2025 compared to 2023. "Certain results have also been recorded under the 'Defender of the Fatherland' program. Changes are planned so that, after the expiration of a five-year contract, service members will have the opportunity to extend their service for another two or five years," Papikyan said.
He He recalled that upon completion of service under the "Defender of the Fatherland" program, citizens receive a bonus of 5 million drams. "If the contract is extended for another 2-5 years, 10 million drams will be paid for 10 years of service," the minister noted.
He believes this will contribute to the development of a professional and contract army. Currently, 4,234 people are serving under the program, and the number continues to grow. To date, 904 people have already applied to participate.
The minister also noted the importance of holding 25-day reservist training camps, in particular, involving reserve officers, as well as maintaining military pensions and increasing capital expenditures.
"In 2018, capital expenditures in the defense sector amounted to approximately 17 billion 718 million drams. In 2025, this figure will reach 57 billion 702 million 154 thousand drams, which are being used for the construction of defensive fortifications, barracks, and other infrastructure projects." " he said.
Papikyan also emphasized the importance of diversifying arms supply markets and developing the local military-industrial complex.
"In 2022, the total value of contracts with local manufacturers was 5.5 billion drams. Today, this figure under existing contracts has reached 170 billion drams, with the majority of deliveries already completed. In 2026-2028, the government plans to allocate 150 billion drams for the development of the local military-industrial complex," the minister stated.
"In 2018 (the pre-revolutionary year), spending on these purposes amounted to 245 billion drams, and in 2025, it reached 664 billion drams (approximately $1.74 billion). This represents an increase of approximately $1.1 billion. There are frequent accusations that the defense sector is underfunded. These figures speak for themselves," Papikyan said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Speaking about the reforms implemented in 2025, the minister noted the reduction of the term of compulsory military service from two years to one and a half years.
According to him, a 19% increase in the number of conscripts was recorded in 2025 compared to 2023. "Certain results have also been recorded under the 'Defender of the Fatherland' program. Changes are planned so that, after the expiration of a five-year contract, service members will have the opportunity to extend their service for another two or five years," Papikyan said.
He He recalled that upon completion of service under the "Defender of the Fatherland" program, citizens receive a bonus of 5 million drams. "If the contract is extended for another 2-5 years, 10 million drams will be paid for 10 years of service," the minister noted.
He believes this will contribute to the development of a professional and contract army. Currently, 4,234 people are serving under the program, and the number continues to grow. To date, 904 people have already applied to participate.
The minister also noted the importance of holding 25-day reservist training camps, in particular, involving reserve officers, as well as maintaining military pensions and increasing capital expenditures.
"In 2018, capital expenditures in the defense sector amounted to approximately 17 billion 718 million drams. In 2025, this figure will reach 57 billion 702 million 154 thousand drams, which are being used for the construction of defensive fortifications, barracks, and other infrastructure projects." " he said.
Papikyan also emphasized the importance of diversifying arms supply markets and developing the local military-industrial complex.
"In 2022, the total value of contracts with local manufacturers was 5.5 billion drams. Today, this figure under existing contracts has reached 170 billion drams, with the majority of deliveries already completed. In 2026-2028, the government plans to allocate 150 billion drams for the development of the local military-industrial complex," the minister stated.
