Armenia will continue defense sector reforms in line with its needs, including the acquisition of weapons and military equipment, Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan said when asked about defense spending cuts for 2026.
“Compared to the budget growth trends of previous years, the 2026 budget does not show any deviation, except for the difference that occurred in 2025, when our expenditures suddenly increased due to advanced payments. If we compare 2026 with 2024, it reflects a natural rate of development,” Papikyan said at a press briefing.
He emphasized that there is nothing unusual or extraordinary about this.
“Armenia will continue reforms in accordance with its needs, including the procurement of weapons and military equipment. However, August 8 is an important fact, and it cannot be ignored by us as an established reality. Naturally, it must have its consequences,” the minister said, referring to the initialing of the peace treaty with Azerbaijan.
On August 8, a joint declaration was signed in Washington, D.C., by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump. Within the framework of the latter, Armenia will work with the United States and mutually agreed third parties to define the framework for the implementation of the “Trump Path for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) communication program in the territory of Armenia.
