U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance announced that the United States will sell $11 million worth of reconnaissance and drone technologies to Armenia. The statement came during his concluding remarks following a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

“I was also pleased to join the Prime Minister just moments ago to view the new drone technologies we are selling to Armenia. Yes, President Trump knows very well that the best way to ensure peace is through real deterrence, and the best tools for that are the world’s top-tier military technologies, which the United States possesses,” Vance said, as reported by the Armenian government's press service.

“For the first time, we are announcing a major sale of military technology: $11 million in reconnaissance and drone technologies to the Armenian people and our good friend, the Prime Minister. He will use them to defend his country and to help ensure the sustainability of the peace we are building together. For the United States, this means more jobs and greater investment in our defense tech sector,” he added.

Prior to the announcement, Armenian and U.S. officials demonstrated the technical capabilities of the U.S.-made V-BAT drone acquired by Armenia.

At the joint press conference with Vance, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that the acquisition marks a significant step in Armenian-American defense and military cooperation.

“Armenia has acquired V-BAT type unmanned aerial vehicles from the United States, whose effectiveness has been proven through extensive operational use. These drones will significantly enhance our defense capabilities,” Pashinyan stated.

Defense Minister Suren Papikyan also shared a photo of the imported V-BAT drone and wrote: “This marks the beginning of a new phase in Armenia-U.S. defense cooperation. We are grateful to our U.S. partners. V-BAT reconnaissance UAV, now in Armenia.”

Vance arrived in Armenia on February 9 with his wife and children. He will travel to Baku from Yerevan.