The Defense Army Has a New Commander

On September 11, Artsakh Republic President Arayik Harutyunyan signed a decree appointing Major General Kamo Vardanian as the commander of the Artsakh Republic Defense Army.

Kamo Vardanian was born on March 18, 1966, in the village of Norshen, Martakert region. He studied at the secondary school in his native village. In 2006, he graduated from the Russian Armed Forces Academy. In 2019, he completed his studies at the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

He has been serving in the Artsakh Defense Army since February 1, 1992. From 1992 to 2012, Vardanian held several command positions in various military units, including squad commander, deputy platoon commander, deputy chief of staff of the battalion, battalion commander, deputy commander of the military unit, commander of the military unit, and deputy chief of staff of the larger formation.

From 2007 to 2012, he was the commander of the mountain infantry unit of the Defense Army. On November 12, 2012, he was appointed as the first deputy and chief of staff of the Defense Army commander by a presidential decree. On May 6, 2011, he was awarded the military rank of Major General by the president's decree.

Vardanian participated in combat operations in 1992-1994, 2016, and 2020. He has been awarded the 2nd degree “Combat Cross” of the Artsakh Republic, the “Bravery” medal of the Republic of Armenia, the “Vardan Mamikonian” medal, and the 1st degree medal for “Services to the Homeland,” as well as other state and departmental medals for bravery.

He is married and has two daughters and one son.