In his congratulatory address on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian Armed Forces, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the Armenian army is designed exclusively to protect the country's internationally recognized borders. He noted the significant buildup of military potential in recent years, including the acquisition of modern weaponry.
Pashinyan also mentioned that Armenia previously faced difficulties in purchasing weapons due to international concerns about their possible use outside its territory and its membership in the CSTO. According to him, this obstacle no longer exists. He recalled the failure of CSTO allies (primarily Moscow) to fulfill their security obligations to Armenia and their refusal to supply already paid-for weapons, calling this an existential threat to the country.
Pashinyan previously stated that the country's membership in the pro-Russian CSTO military bloc limited its access to international arms markets. He also noted that Armenia suspended its participation in the organization because it poses threats to the country's security and its existence.
