Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan, at a press conference today, announced plans to allocate 150 billion AMD (about $400 million) for domestic defense industry development from 2026–2028.

He emphasized diversifying military procurement and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

Armenia will modernize its defense by acquiring new weapons and upgrading existing stock, without engaging in an arms race with any country, including Azerbaijan.

The defense minister stated that efforts to recruit women into the military have had limited success, and further action is needed to address stereotypes about women's roles in the army.