Armenia, France talk over closer defence cooperation

Armenian Defence Minister Suren Papikyan has met with France’s Ambassador to Armenia, Olivier Decottignies, to discuss bilateral defence cooperation and regional security issues.

According to the Armenian Defence Ministry, the meeting covered key items on the agenda related to strengthening defence ties between Armenia and France, as well as broader regional and international security matters, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

The 2025 Armenia-France Defence Cooperation Programme, signed in December 2024, strengthens bilateral military ties between Armenia and France. Announced by the Armenian Ministry of Defence, the programme outlines key areas of collaboration for 2025, aiming to enhance Armenia’s defence capabilities while fostering mutual strategic interests.

• Joint Military Exercises: Planned drills to improve coordination and operational compatibility between Armenian and French forces.

• Training and Education: French military advisors will support Armenian troops with training in modern tactics and officer development.

• Defence Planning: Collaborative efforts to align Armenia’s military reforms with international standards, enhancing strategic readiness.

• Technical Cooperation: Continued integration of French-supplied equipment, building on 2023 agreements for radars, anti-air systems, and night-vision technology.

By Aghakazim Guliyev