Armenian government approves a bill reducing length of mandatory military service to 18 months

YEREVAN, October 30. /ARKA/. At a meeting on Thursday, the Armenian government approved a bill reducing the length of mandatory military service for privates to 18 months, down from the previous 24.

This bill will be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration as soon as possible. Deputy Defense Minister Arman Sargsyan stated that the decision will take effect on January 1, 2026, and will apply to conscripts.

"The reduction in the length of military service for privates was made possible by the increased attractiveness of contract service. A number of legislative initiatives have also been implemented, a military personnel certification program is in place, and the 'Defender of the Fatherland' program is being implemented, benefiting 4,220 people," Sargsyan said. He explained that the latter are privates who have signed a five-year contract with the Ministry of Defense.

The Deputy Minister assured that all risks have been taken into account, and the entire process will proceed smoothly and efficiently, without any problems.

The bill notes that, according to forecasts, a reduction in the costs of organizing mandatory military service is expected after the amendments come into force.-0-