The Number of Drones Has Quintupled in the Last 2 Years, Quantity of 'Smerch' Increased: Yovanisyan's Clarification

Armenia has made enhancements to its military capabilities at all times, with an increase in the volumes of weapons acquired following the April 2016 war. In the last two years, the quantity of new weaponry has reached unprecedented levels.
Representatives of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, particularly Artur Yovanisyan, provided clarifications regarding the new armaments acquired, especially focusing on the last two years and addressing discussions following his interview.

“In my interview, I mentioned that we have continuously armed ourselves according to our abilities, and we have always done our utmost to strengthen our military. However, from 2012 to 2018, our efforts were primarily focused on purchasing new weapons. After the April events, the volumes of acquisitions were increased, and between 2018 and 2020, the acquisition of new weapons reached the highest levels ever,” noted Yovanisyan, presenting detailed figures from the purchases.

During the period from 2012 to 2018, several hundred new vehicles were acquired, while in the last two years, this number has doubled. Additionally, new-generation communication devices and radio stations were obtained in limited quantities during the same period, with a threefold increase in acquisitions in the last two years.

Regarding major new weapons, Yovanisyan indicated that from 2012 to 2018, a limited number of new-generation anti-tank systems, such as “Kornet,” were procured. In the last two years, the quantity of these systems acquired has increased by three to four times.

“Smerch” systems were brought to Armenia during the years 2012-2018. Without specifying numbers, Yovanisyan added that in the last two years, their quantities have been increased, while the ammunition has been multiplied. New-generation ballistic missiles were also brought to Armenia during this period, with fighter jets being acquired in the last two years. Due to confidentiality, the Ministry of Defense representative did not present further details on this matter.

Limited numbers of new-generation short-range air defense systems were brought to Armenia from 2012 to 2018, with these numbers tripling in the last two years, alongside the addition of large batches of older systems. Among them, one of the world's top air defense systems, TOR-M, was acquired.

From 2012 to 2018, a limited quantity of new-generation electronic warfare (EW) systems were introduced, which faced issues and did not function effectively. These have been upgraded this year, and the number of improved systems has increased several times.

Significant quantities of drones were created and imported to Armenia from 2012 to 2018, and in the last two years, their number has quintupled.