Others Do Not Decide What We Need: Armen Grigoryan on Purchasing French Armored Vehicles

The issue of cooperation between Armenia and France has included the acquisition of "Bastion" armored vehicles. This was mentioned by Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, during a broadcast on Public TV.

Referring to the topic of military equipment purchased from France, Grigoryan stated, "I am very pleased that we have made significant progress with France in this regard, and we are looking forward to broader cooperation in the field of security with France." He addressed reports circulating in the media regarding the quality of the armored vehicles, claims that they have a weak defensive layer, and previous unsuccessful attempts to send them to Ukraine before they were brought to Armenia after Ukraine's refusal.

On this matter, the Secretary of the Security Council noted that the Armenian side has negotiated with France specifically concerning the purchase of these armored vehicles. "Regarding the second part of the topic, I believe it is more a subject used for propagandistic purposes. We initiated negotiations with France to acquire these armored vehicles. Our defense system has assessed that we need them, and their capabilities meet our requirements. Our weapons and ammunition supply is based on our decisions; others do not decide what we need. We determine our own demand," he clarified.

Grigoryan also commented on Azerbaijan's reaction to the purchase of French armored vehicles and their statements about arming the region while maintaining that peace should prevail in the area. He agrees that peace is necessary in the region. "Our cooperation with various countries in the field of security is primarily defensive. We are acquiring defensive weapons to protect the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia. We do not pose a threat to anyone. I believe this also aims to create some informational noise, but it is clear that Armenia is acquiring weapons to safeguard its security and is moving forward with a peace agenda," Grigoryan emphasized. He added that the Armenian side hopes to conclude a peace treaty as quickly as possible and suggested that Azerbaijan focus on finalizing the document in this regard.