Armenia continues to reshape its security and defense approach amid ongoing frictions with neighboring powers. The nation’s Security Council Secretary, Armen Grigoryan, stated that the difficulties in regional security have pushed Armenia to broaden its sourcing of military equipment beyond its traditional supplier. Armenian state media reported that the government has actively sought and identified alternative suppliers as a response to disruptions in arms deliveries linked to current relations with Russia.
Grigoryan explained that Armenia is engaging in vigorous talks with a wide range of countries to negotiate arms acquisitions. He indicated that progress has already been made with several partners, while negotiations remain underway with others. The secretary emphasized that Armenia is pursuing diverse options and practical solutions to ensure military preparedness in the face of potential delays or interruptions from Russia, should those tensions persist.
The official stressed that Armenia does not intend to rely on a single source for its defense needs. He noted that the process involves careful assessment of each potential supplier, including evaluating technology transfer, maintenance commitments, and long-term compatibility with Armenia’s strategic requirements. Through this approach, the government aims to secure reliable access to equipment, spare parts, and training for Armenian forces, thereby maintaining readiness in a dynamic security environment.
Grigoryan also indicated plans to raise this topic in a broader regional context. He expects to discuss the matter with a colleague from Russia during a forthcoming meeting of the secretaries of the Security Councils of the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, or CSTO. The intention is to exchange views on the current state of arms supplies and to explore possibilities for dialogue that could ease tensions and stabilize supply channels for member countries.
These developments come as Armenia has publicly stated its position on the broader conflict in Ukraine. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has asserted in media interviews that Armenia is not an ally of Russia in the Ukraine crisis, a declaration reported by international outlets. The Prime Minister’s comments reflect a deliberate stance aimed at clarifying Armenia’s diplomatic posture and signaling flexibility in its strategic partnerships. Analysts note that Armenia faces a challenging balancing act as it seeks to enhance its security posture while maintaining constructive relations with major regional players and international partners.
Experts point out that diversification of arms suppliers can reduce exposure to any single supplier’s political or logistical disruptions. They argue that this approach can help Armenia manage risk, improve access to modern weapons systems, and secure steady maintenance and upgrades. Such a strategy can also enable the country to participate in training programs, joint exercises, and technology exchanges that bolster interoperability with its partners. Observers caution, however, that diversification requires careful due diligence to avoid compromising security standards, ensure compatibility with existing defense infrastructure, and sustain cost efficiency over time.
In the current environment, Armenia’s defense procurement policy appears to emphasize resilience, transparency, and practical partnerships. By pursuing multiple channels and evaluating each option on its merits, the government seeks to protect national security interests while avoiding overreliance on any single foreign supplier. The evolving approach is likely to shape how Armenia manages its security partnerships in the coming years, including its engagement with regional organizations, allied states, and potential new collaborators. The focus remains on maintaining a credible deterrent, ensuring operational capability, and supporting the readiness of Armenian armed forces through diversified supply chains and ongoing collaboration with international partners. In this context, the government continues to monitor global defense markets, assess technological trends, and align procurement choices with Armenia’s long-term strategic objectives. The aim is a robust defense posture that can adapt to shifting geopolitical realities without sacrificing stability or interoperability with trusted partners.