Military service will become 1.5 years: electoral promise or the future of a 2.5-year army?

The Ministry of Defense has introduced a draft law on the e-draft.am platform proposing to shorten the mandatory military service period from 24 months to 18 months. If adopted, the amendment will come into effect from June 1, 2026, and will not apply to those already serving in the army at that time, reports the newspaper ‘Haykakan Zhamanak’.

“However, this step is viewed not just as a military reform but also as a political calculation. Sources from the ruling party have conveyed concerns during discussions that 'Is it possible to maintain an army with just 1.5 years of service?' The response during discussions, however, was quite straightforward: 'We need to reduce it to 1.5 years now, and if issues arise later, we can raise it back to 2.5 years. What issues? The power is completely in our hands,'” the newspaper states.

It should be noted that this is not a new approach; a similar tactic was employed during the increase in transportation costs. Initially, it was announced that the price would rise to 300 drams, then they supposedly retreated in response to citizens' demands; however, in the end, the price increased to 150 drams.

Thus, the reduction of military service can largely be considered yet another tool in electoral propaganda. Simultaneously, discussions are taking place within the government regarding raising pensions, enabling the ruling party to have topics to address with its voters ahead of the elections. Everything is being constructed within the context of electoral logic. The military budget is not increasing, but other expenditures that can secure votes will be maximized.

The newspaper submitted questions and requested comments from Aurora Manavazyan, a member of the National Assembly from the ruling party, on whether the 1.5 years of service is a long-term plan or could later become 2.5 years, and whether a pension increase is also planned in an election year. In response to our questions, Manavazyan said, 'We should not look for bad subtexts beneath the project. The military service will become 1.5 years from June 1, 2026, and this change will be long-term; there is no intention to make it short-term.'”