We Should Have Already Had the Ability to Fight Against the Infamous "Bayraktars": Aram Sargsyan

I want to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our army in a much more established manner, significantly strengthening our armament, and giving a firm lesson to those looking at our borders. This was stated by Aram Z. Sargsyan, the head of the Republic Party, during a conversation with journalists at the Yerablur Pantheon on January 28.

“The foundation of our state is the army, and after this heavy war, we still have an army. Processes are underway regarding the rearmament and reorganization of the army. I have repeatedly said that a year after the war, we should already have had the capability to combat the infamous "Bayraktars." If the main reason for our defeat in the previous war was our unprotected state from the air, and our officials are, to some extent, justifying our defeat by saying that we lacked the appropriate armaments, now it’s been a year, and I wouldn't want, God forbid, for a new war to occur and again for them to say our air isn’t protected,” he stated.

“Recent events showed that our soldiers gave a firm lesson in Vardenis, and we lost lives due to the infamous ‘Bayraktars.’ Serious steps need to be taken in this direction; we are lagging behind and delaying, but this is also a political issue related to our strategic partner. Our strategic partner does not have the armament and technology to fight against the ‘Bayraktars.’ The ruling political team does not see this direction in securing armaments from others,” he added.

Addressing the authorities' statements about opening a “new era of peace,” Aram Sargsyan said, “If you think that if we go to war today we will win and we are not going to war, I do not share that opinion. We need at least 4-5 years of peace. And peace can only be established if you have a strong army, if you are better armed than your neighbors, if you have a proper defense structure, you have a strong economy, with serious funds that not only arm the soldier but also ensure their life and family.”