Armenia to Cut Length of Mandatory Military Service

The Armenian Defense Minister has proposed changes to the "On Military Service and the Status of Servicemen" law, aiming to reduce the duration of compulsory military service for privates from 24 months to 18 months.

"This decision will come into force after January 1, 2026, and will apply to conscripts. As part of the winter draft, the process of recruiting for the Armed Forces will begin on January 7, 2026," Papikyan said during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defense and Security on Monday, The Caspian Post reports citing Armenian media.

According to him, the reduction in the length of military service does not apply to previously conscripted servicemen.

"The reduction in the length of military service for privates was made possible by the increased attractiveness of contract military service and the ongoing work," Papikyan said.

He recalled that a number of legislative initiatives have also been introduced, including a military personnel certification program, and the "Defender of the Fatherland" program, which currently benefits 4,220 people and will increase by approximately 1,000 by 2025.

"The overall number of military personnel will not decrease. This will be a step toward a professional army," Papikyan stated, emphasizing the importance of working with reservists and contract soldiers without going into detail.

He stated that he could not disclose the number of military personnel serving in the army, as it is classified information, but suggested that the opposition discuss the matter behind closed doors.