Defense official criticizes pay-to-avoid service plan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia has seen a roughly 25% increase in conscription numbers over the past four years compared to 2022, Deputy Defense Minister Arman Sargsyan said, commenting on a legislative initiative proposed by MP Hayk Sargsyan.

“Between 2023 and 2026, the number of conscripts has increased by about 25% compared to 2022. If we maintain this pace and improve legal regulations, we will not face the concerning situation described by the MP,” he said, according to Armenpress.

The deputy minister also criticized several provisions in the draft, particularly the mechanism allowing exemption from military service in exchange for payment, noting its limited effectiveness.

“If, hypothetically, 3,000 people take advantage of the option to avoid service through payment, it does not mean conscription numbers will increase by the same amount. It may generate budget revenues, but it does not solve the issue of increasing conscription,” he stated.

Sargsyan added that positive trends have also been observed in contract-based military service.

“The number of participants in the ‘Defender of the Homeland’ program has exceeded 5,300, indicating positive progress and contributing to the formation of a professional army,” he said.

Presenting the government’s position, he called on the parliamentary committee to refrain from giving a positive conclusion to the bill.

Earlier, MP Hayk Sargsyan had argued that conscription is in a critical state, noting that troop numbers had dropped from 44,000 to 14,000 over 14 years.

Following the discussion, the committee voted against the draft law proposed by Hayk Sargsyan.

The proposal suggested allowing citizens aged 18–32 to opt for short-term service by paying fees — 24 million drams for one month or 18 million drams for four months — along with raising the conscription age limit and introducing fees for renouncing citizenship.