The Armenian government has approved a legislative proposal, introduced by MP Hayk Sargsyan from the Civil Contract faction, allowing for shortened mandatory military service in exchange for monetary compensation, with certain modifications.

Initially, Sargsyan proposed optional conscription for less than 24 months: 1-month service for a 20 million AMD payment or 6-month service for 15 million AMD, and raising the upper age limit for conscription from 27 to 37.

Following a review by the Ministry of Defense, adjustments were made. As reported by Aysor.am , Defense Minister Suren Papikyan stated: “We now propose 1-month service for 24 million AMD and 4-month service for 18 million AMD.”

The revised plan sets the upper conscription age at 32 years.

Additionally, for male Armenian citizens who received citizenship after the age of 18 and have not served in the military abroad or have served for less than a year, the 24-month requirement will be replaced with a 12-month term. If they choose not to serve, they must pay 2.5 million AMD to the state.

Another provision introduces a 15 million AMD state fee for boys seeking to renounce Armenian citizenship before age 16.

According to Minister Papikyan, the aim of the initiative is to ensure sufficient staffing for the armed forces. He also expressed confidence that even a one-month service term is enough for recruits to learn basic military skills and be enlisted into the reserves.

During the cabinet meeting, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan noted that avoiding military service for sons has been a deep-rooted reason for emigration for decades. As Radar.am quoted him: “This isn't a trend of the past year or two, but a 30-year issue. We've long known emigration is often a workaround. There are also alternative routes—through health, education, and so on. We’ve talked about this for years but never acted. Now is the time to be bold and move forward with solutions.”

The bill will come into force upon adoption by the National Assembly.