Three Decades of Bravery: The Evolution and Triumphs of the Armenian National Army (PHOTO GALLERY)

Today, Armenia commemorated its 32nd National Army Day. The Armenian Report attended Yerablur Military Pantheon to pay its respects and capture moments from the military heroes of its history who are laid to rest there.  Following Armenia's declaration of independence in 1990, the formation of the Armenian National Army emerged as a pivotal milestone in the nation's history. Born out of the necessity to secure the population amid the Nagorno-Karabakh movement and the escalating conflict with Azerbaijan, the army has evolved through distinct stages, facing wars and emerging as a formidable defender of the homeland.

The foundational decision to establish the Ministry of Defense on January 28, 1992, marked the legal inception of the Armenian National Army. The initial conscription in May 1992 signaled the commencement of the first stage, characterized by the urgency to ensure military security for Armenia and Artsakh during heightened tensions.

The second stage, spanning from June 1992 to May 1994, saw both Armenia and Artsakh confronting the aggression of Azerbaijan. This period was marked by significant challenges and the resilience of the Armenian armed forces.

The conscription process, targeting males aged 18-27 for a 2-year service, occurs semi-annually in summer and winter. The Armenian Armed Forces, established in the wake of the Collective Security Treaty signing in 1992, fostered military cooperation with Russia and expanded collaboration with the North Atlantic Alliance.

Despite its youth, the Armenian army has undergone three wars, displaying bravery and heroism. Victorious in the first Artsakh war, the army thwarted Azerbaijan's four-day offensive in April 2016 and defended its borders during the 44-day war in 2020 and the 2022 attack. Battle-hardened, the army remains steadfast as the guardian of impregnable borders and national security, shouldering a profound responsibility in the face of evolving challenges.