‘From 2008 to 2018, military needs were funded not with 345 billion, but with 1 trillion 768.3 billion drams,’ says former deputy minister

Former Deputy Minister of Defense and Republican Party figure Artak Zakaryan stated: 'Once again, especially for those who like to falsify and manipulate, who maintain their infamous power by sowing hatred and divisions: In 2008, the military defense expenditures amounted to 116.2 billion, which constituted 14.3% of the state budget. In 2009, the military defense expenditures were 124.9 billion, accounting for 13.5% of the state budget. In 2010, military defense expenditures reached 147.6 billion, comprising 15.5% of the state budget. In 2011, military defense expenditures amounted to 139.8 billion, making up 14.2% of the budget. In 2012, military defense expenditures were 146.6 billion, accounting for 14.6% of the budget. In 2013, military defense expenditures reached 175.5 billion, constituting 15.3% of the budget. In 2014, military defense expenses were 183.5 billion, comprising 14.9% of the state budget. In 2015, military defense expenditures reached 191.2 billion, which amounted to 13.6% of the budget. In 2016, military defense expenses were 218.1 billion, accounting for 15% of the budget. In 2017, military defense expenditures reached 286.5 billion, which comprised 19% of the budget. In 2018, military defense expenditures were 228.9 billion, making up 15.8% of the budget.

It should be noted that in 2015, a preferential intergovernmental loan of 200 million USD (96 billion drams) from Russia for military needs was signed and ratified, which was fully directed towards military defense. I don’t even count the significant military-technical assistance (mainly ammunition) that the Armenian Armed Forces received free of charge from friendly countries during President Sargsyan's terms.

Thus, from 2008 to 2018, the military needs of the Armed Forces of Armenia (including weapons and ammunition) were funded not with 345 billion drams, as the government capitulation sources lie, but with 1 trillion 768.3 billion drams (around 3 billion 684 million USD). This data is public, and can be found in official sources online.

Regarding the 609 billion military expenses often trumpeted by the 'authorities' (for 2018-2020), it did not exceed the proportion of the state budget (because the budget has grown year by year, and thus the allocations for military needs have increased as well). Additionally, a question arises as to where that weaponry and other military expenses were, which were hardly visible during the 44-day war. Were multifunctional aircraft parked, or refurbished ASUN systems, or other weaponry you’re not talking about? At least don’t distort the facts, because it is more than clear how previous governments defended Armenia and Artsakh, and how you 'defend' or 'have defended' them.'