New draft law on military service passes final reading in NA

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia's National Assembly has passed a bill reducing the duration of mandatory military service by six months. The bill was approved in its second and final reading with 65 votes in favor, 4 against, and 20 abstentions.

Introduced under an expedited procedure, the measure applies exclusively to conscripts joining the military starting January 2025. It will not affect those already in service, according to a report by RFE/RL’s Armenian Service.

During the first reading, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan defended the selective application of the reform, saying, “It’s fair. Our beloved soldiers and their parents must understand this affects future servicemen.” He explained that the reduction was made possible due to the growing appeal and expansion of contract-based military service in recent years. Initiatives such as the “Defend the Homeland” program, the implementation of an attestation system, and the development of a professional sergeant corps contributed to this shift.

The Ministry of Defense justified the reform by pointing to the progress in building a professional military framework, which now allows for a shorter term for conscripts. The ministry noted that steps have already been taken in this direction. However, the opposition voiced concerns over the decision.

Anna Grigoryan, a member of the Hayastan parliamentary faction, criticized the reform as a possible pre-election move. During earlier debates, she argued that no substantial accompanying measures had been implemented to justify the reduction. She also questioned the conditions under which contract servicemen operate, pointing out that a patrol officer in downtown Yerevan earns more than a contract soldier.