"Might makes right, but in the absence of mightier right" How will Azerbaijan respond to Armenia’s military buildup?

“Might goes before right,” but when there is no other might. According to local media, Greece is preparing to transfer S-300 systems and two other Russian-made weapon systems, previously used for the country’s air defence, to Armenia. These will be replaced by systems of Israeli origin.

According to available information, strengthening Armenia's military is not solely a Greek initiative but the result of cooperation with France, which is also contributing to Yerevan’s rearmament. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated during a briefing on February 28 this year that Russia intends to ensure Greece and other countries comply with agreements prohibiting the transfer of Russian weapons to third parties.

For Greece, bolstering Armenia rather than Ukraine represents a “strategic choice for multiple reasons, including close allied ties and shared historical events in modern history.”

Now, let’s take a brief trip down memory lane. In the 1990s, Greek Cyprus acquired two divisions—12 launchers—of S-300 systems. However, their Turkish neighbours, with characteristic bluntness, threatened to metaphorically "strip them bare" and follow up with something even more drastic. Not wanting to tempt fate, Nicosia handed over both divisions to Greece, which deployed them on Crete. 

Naturally, both the US and Israel seized the opportunity to thoroughly study the Russian-made weaponry—just in case. Israeli specialists claimed to have identified vulnerabilities in the system, and by the early 2000s, Israel had developed electronic countermeasures specifically designed to neutralise the S-300.

By the way, this seems like a good moment to once again express gratitude to the friendly people and state of Israel for providing cutting-edge weaponry that was successfully employed during the Second Karabakh War. And, in case anyone has forgotten, during that very same war, our forces destroyed no fewer than six Armenian S-300 systems, leaving Armenia with a new kind of complex to grapple with—but that’s just an aside.

Of course, we have plenty of means to counter future S-300 deliveries, both in a technical sense and otherwise...

To begin with, it would be prudent to have a straightforward discussion with our Greek counterparts. Why hint at anything when we can directly ask: What is more important to them—receiving Azerbaijani gas or supplying Armenia with S-300 systems? The course of action should then be adjusted accordingly based on their response. 

Did someone mention "balance"? Balance is not the goal here. The power dynamic must be firmly in our favour—no compromises. 

I’ve often reiterated the principle: “What is good for Armenia is bad for Azerbaijan, and vice versa.” This is not a casual statement; it is a carefully considered stance. If Armenia has the financial means to purchase S-300 systems, we must take measures to ensure those funds are no longer available in the future. 

Over 30% of Armenia's GDP is rooted in agriculture, while a little over 20% comes from industry—both of which are key contributors to their state budget. These sectors deserve our close, even focused attention, as they form the backbone of Armenia’s financial capabilities.

You know, there’s an unwritten—though in some places explicitly written—rule that applies here. Imagine this: a sabotage team is operating behind enemy lines with a specific mission, say, to capture a “live target.” However, if during their operation they discover an air defence installation, their priority shifts to destroying that installation, overriding the original mission. The same logic applies to communication hubs. 

Of course, if anyone asks, you didn’t hear this from me. In any operation, the key is to set the right priorities. 

Now, if we allow ourselves just a touch of lyricism—think about it: why would a small, “peace-loving” country like Armenia even need such an expensive air defence system? It’s nothing but a headache: unnecessary expenses, mounting debts, and inevitably, a string of misfortunes.