Papikyan Details Military Service Duration Reduction Proposal

The National Assembly's Defense and Security Committee is discussing a proposal to reduce the mandatory military service duration, which suggests lowering the current service time by six months.

Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has stated that the 24-month mandatory military service for conscripts is proposed to be set at 18 months. This decision will apply to citizens conscripted for mandatory military service after January 1, 2026.

The government’s draft decision of December foresees the main process for filling the armed forces to commence on January 7, 2026, within the framework of the winter conscription of 2025, meaning that citizens who transition to service from the winter conscription of 2025 will serve for 18 months.

Papikyan noted that the reduction in service duration will not apply to those citizens who are already in mandatory military service as of January 1, 2026. According to the Minister, the reduction in service duration has been made possible due to consistent efforts to enhance and expand the attractiveness of contract military service in recent years. He emphasized that the measures taken have significantly increased the appeal of serving in the military, which he views as a positive development.