Defense Minister Suren Papikyan told Parliament during the 2026 state budget discussion that Armenia’s defense expenditures have grown significantly — by $1.1 billion between 2018 and 2025. According to Papikyan, this unprecedented growth has funded critical military reforms.
“In 2018, defense spending stood at 245 billion drams, or roughly $640 million. In 2025, it has reached 667 billion drams — that’s $1.741 billion. This marks an increase of $1.1 billion,” Papikyan said, as quoted by Armenpress.
He added that the record-breaking expenditures in 2023, 2024, 2025, and now planned for 2026 made it possible to implement transformative programs such as the certification system for servicemembers. Through this program, soldiers can now receive between 205,000 and 470,000 drams in performance-based salary bonuses.
Around 65% of personnel have already participated in the certification process, which Papikyan said has improved efficiency and financial security within the ranks.
According to the 2026 draft budget, the Ministry of Defense is set to receive 563.1 billion drams.
Earlier, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that a military parade held in November or December would have been very impressive, but reiterated the government’s current focus on preparing for peace. He previously offered to show newly acquired weaponry not only to political figures but also to civilians, encouraging citizens to form 50-person groups to attend such viewings.
