Armenian Government Approves Shorter Military Service Term, Bill Advances to National Assembly

The Armenian government has approved a new bill to reduce the term of mandatory military service from 24 months to 18 months. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting on October 30 and was classified as urgent, meaning the bill will soon be discussed in parliament.

According to the government, this change reflects ongoing reforms in the defense system aimed at increasing the share of professional and contract-based service in the Armed Forces. Officials said that in recent years, Armenia has taken important steps to expand professional service, including the launch of the “Defenders of the Homeland” program.

Deputy Defense Minister Arman Sargsyan stated that the program currently has 4,220 participants, and the number continues to grow.

The government’s explanation noted that the contract service system has expanded due to several structural changes. These include the creation of a professional sergeant corps, the introduction of a certification system for servicemen, and new opportunities for long-term service in border units while maintaining military pensions.

Based on these developments, the government decided that it was now reasonable to shorten the mandatory service period for rank-and-file soldiers. The new 18-month term will apply beginning with the 2025 winter draft.

“The adoption of this bill is expected to reduce the costs of organizing mandatory military service starting from the second half of 2027, since within the framework of the 2025 winter draft, the 18-month service term starting in January 2026 will end in July 2027,” the bill states.

If approved by parliament, this reform will mark a major change in Armenia’s conscription system.

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