Armenia's strategic pivot: Deepening ties with the West
On Tuesday, 14th January 2025, representatives from the United States and Armenia signed a strategic partnership agreement in Washington. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that signing such an agreement is Armenia's sovereign right, but simultaneously accused the United States of attempting to subordinate another country to its influence.
"I just want to underscore that it [the agreement] really lays the foundation for even deeper cooperation, and it builds on our shared principles. And this charter, this strategic partnership that we’re signing, will, I think, contribute to a more resilient, a more peaceful, a more secure, a more independent South Caucasus," said Blinken, as quoted in a press release from the U.S. Department of Defense.
A longtime ally of Russia looks to the West
Americans reminded that they have already invested approximately £2.7 billion in Armenia "to support democratic reforms, economic growth and resilience, and humanitarian assistance." The strategic partnership agreement is expected to be a milestone in bilateral relations between these countries. In the near future, it will result in, among other things, sending a group of specialists to Armenia who will provide expert assistance in strengthening borders, and in a slightly longer term, cooperation in civilian nuclear technology.
Armenia, which for years was perceived as a loyal ally to the Kremlin, has been attempting to approach the West for several years. In 2024, authorities in Yerevan announced their intention to withdraw from the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) led by Moscow, and in January 2025, adopted a draft law to begin the accession process to the European Union.
The Armenian army enriches itself with Western equipment
Armenia's change in approach is already reflected in the military sphere. Efforts are visible that confirm plans to desovietise the land forces, and eventually other branches of Armenia's armed forces as well.
In the initial stages of replacing Soviet-era equipment with solutions from other countries, the focus was primarily on equipment from India, which led to the importation of 155 mm calibre artillery systems ATAGS and TC-20 into Armenia.
However, this type of armament will now be supplemented with reinforcements from NATO, as Armenia and France have reached an agreement on a deal to purchase French Caesar self-propelled howitzers. These are also 155 mm calibre artillery pieces, providing a firing rate of up to 6 rounds per minute and the ability to operate in MRSI mode, allowing them to hit targets up to 40 kilometres away.
The cooperation on arms contracts between France and Armenia is, however, on a broader scale. This translates to the delivery of air defence equipment such as Ground Master 200 radars and Mistral short-range air defence systems. Armenia also decided on French Bastion armoured vehicles.
