Parliament has passed amendments to the Law on the Military-Industrial Complex with 59 votes in favor, in an extraordinary session. The initiative was proposed by ruling party MPs Trdat Sargsyan and Armen Khachatryan.

The new legislation allows the government to provide state-owned military equipment to defense companies for testing and production purposes, according to Aravot.

Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan stressed the urgency of the bill, explaining that over a dozen defense firms are expected to receive weaponry in May for development and trials. Due to prolonged internal legal discussions within the government, a legislative solution was deemed necessary.

Hayrapetyan also noted a marked increase in the involvement of the Armenian diaspora in recent years, both in research and production.

“Our compatriots in the diaspora have made significant investments in the defense industry,” emphasized Hayrapetyan.

He expressed readiness to provide more detailed briefings to MPs in a closed format regarding both the initiative and the sector’s overall development.

The law aims to create real conditions for the advancement of domestic military production. Legalizing such transfers could unlock new potential while regulating the process.

The bill was presented under an expedited 24-hour procedure. MP Trdat Sargsyan mentioned that several companies currently need access to specific weaponry for manufacturing purposes. He also emphasized that the initiative would lead to more efficient use of resources within the defense sector.

Previously, no legal mechanism existed for such transfers.

During the session, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hakob Arshakyan highlighted that billions of drams have been invested in the sector in recent years, with visible development progress. However, he also expressed concern over the need to establish mechanisms that ensure sustainable growth of domestic arms procurement regardless of political shifts.

He argued for creating conditions that give defense companies confidence in long-term contracts. Arshakyan suggested discussing quota policies for domestic arms purchases in relation to defense spending.

“I propose legislative measures to ensure a long-term balance between imports and local production, securing ongoing investment,” said Arshakyan.