Reduction of Military Service Duration is a Significant Change of Public Interest, Says Suren Papikyan

The reduction of military service duration is aimed at making the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia professional. This was stated by the Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan in the National Assembly.

"This is part of the government’s five-year program. I believe this is a change of great public interest," he noted.

The project received a positive conclusion from the National Assembly's Defense and Security Committee. It will be discussed again in the second reading at a special session of the Assembly.

It is noteworthy that the mandatory military service period for conscripts in Armenia will be set at 18 months, reduced from the previous 24 months. This decision will apply to citizens drafted for mandatory military service after January 1, 2026.

According to a draft government decision regarding the announcement of the winter draft of 2025, it is expected to commence the military recruitment process from January 7, 2026, during which those who are drafted in the winter of 2025 will serve a mandatory period of 18 months.

The reduction in service duration will not apply to citizens who are already in mandatory military service as of January 1, 2026.