Armenia Moves to Cut Military Service to 18 Months

The government proposes to replace the 24-month term of compulsory military service for privates with an 18-month service, with its effect extending to citizens conscripted for compulsory military service after January 1, 2026. The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, Suren Papikyan, stated this at the November 24 session of the Standing Committee on Defense and Security of the National Assembly, presenting for discussion the amendments proposed by the Government to the RA Law "On Military Service and the Status of Servicemen."

The Minister noted that the replenishment of the armed forces within the framework of the 2025 winter conscription will begin on January 7, 2026, as a result of which citizens conscripted for compulsory military service starting from the 2025 winter draft will serve for an 18-month term. The reduction of the service term will not apply to servicemen who are in compulsory military service as of January 1, 2026. According to the rapporteur, the reduction of the term of compulsory military service for privates has become possible thanks to the continuous work done in recent years to increase the attractiveness and expansion of contract military service, namely: the "Defender of the Fatherland" program, the introduction of a professional sergeant system, the certification system for servicemen, etc.

The Minister informed that the reduction of the term of compulsory military service is provided for by the RA Government Program for 2021-2026, as well as by the concept of transformation of the Army of the Republic of Armenia. Suren Papikyan stated that the Government has proposed to consider the adoption of the draft law as urgent.

The Minister answered the questions of the committee members and provided clarifications.

In his co-report, the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Defense and Security, Andranik Kocharyan, noted that the planned reform is in demand and follows the entire package of reforms that has been implemented over these years. The Committee Chairman proposed to vote in favor of the draft law, adding that the reform will give a positive charge, hope, and also create an opportunity to implement the army's combat readiness programs at a faster pace.

The Committee gave a positive conclusion to the draft law discussed in the first reading. It was proposed to include the legislative initiative in the draft agenda of the upcoming sessions of the National Assembly.