Armenia Debates Plan to Shorten Mandatory Military Service Starting in 2026

The Ministry of Defense of Armenia has introduced a proposal that could bring a major change to the country’s military service system. The draft law, now open for public discussion, suggests reducing the length of mandatory military service for rank-and-file soldiers from 24 months to 18 months. If passed, the reform will apply to new conscripts starting with the summer draft of 2026.

This proposal comes from the government’s 2021–2026 program, which included a pledge to shorten mandatory service while strengthening the system of professional contract soldiers. The Ministry of Defense argues that several reforms in recent years have already made contract service more appealing and effective.

Among the reforms are the “Defender of the Motherland” program, the creation of a professional sergeant corps, the introduction of certification systems for servicemen, and special incentives for those who serve in border units. Officials believe these steps have shown positive results, allowing the country to rely more heavily on professional soldiers rather than long-term conscripts.

The ministry also points out that the proposed change could bring financial benefits. With fewer conscripts serving for shorter periods, the state expects to save money on defense spending starting in 2028.

The draft amendment, published on the government’s official e-draft platform, formally suggests reducing the service term by six months. If approved, this would mean that young men entering the army in 2026 would serve for 18 months instead of two years. The Ministry of Defense says the reform is both reasonable and possible given the progress already made in professionalizing the armed forces.

However, not everyone agrees with the government’s optimistic outlook. Opposition figure Tigran Abrahamyan voiced sharp criticism in a Facebook post, warning that the proposal could harm Armenia’s security.

He argued that the government’s claim of stronger recruitment and professional staffing does not match reality. According to Abrahamyan, in the past four years thousands of reservists and members of the Yerkrapah Union have been called up every year to perform combat duties and other essential military tasks. He said this shows the army still faces serious staffing shortages.

Abrahamyan dismissed the idea that reservist gatherings are mainly for training, insisting they are often needed to fill gaps in combat duty. In his view, this reveals that Armenia is still far from solving its manpower problems despite the government’s new programs.

He further accused the authorities of trying to achieve three goals with this reform: first, to win public support before elections by presenting the cut in service as a popular measure; second, to weaken the army and later justify concessions by pointing to limited capacity; and third, to meet demands from Azerbaijan by signaling that Armenia does not plan to resist militarily.

Abrahamyan admitted that his position might be unpopular, but said his main concern is Armenia’s security and long-term survival. He described the proposed reform as a “heavy blow delivered from within the state itself” and warned that it could deepen Armenia’s defense challenges.

The debate over the draft law shows deep divisions within Armenia about how best to balance military reforms, financial constraints, and national security. While the government presents the change as a step toward modernization and efficiency, critics see it as a dangerous weakening of the army at a time of continuing regional threats.

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