Armenia’s Minister of Defense, Suren Papikyan, stated that the “Defender of the Homeland” program has become a central element in the transformation of the Armenian army.
According to the minister, the program was introduced as part of efforts to build a professional military. Today, it plays a key role in shaping a modernized armed force, with thousands of young people joining its ranks.
Participants in the program have the opportunity to undergo certification, receive higher salaries, and support both their families and the state.
Papikyan noted that the number of participants has now reached 5,319, compared to around 4,220 at the end of 2025, highlighting steady growth and increasing interest in the initiative.
