U.S. and Armenia forge new partnership amid Kremlin criticism
On Tuesday, January 14, 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 he also accused the United States of attempting to subordinate another country to itself.
“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
The Americans have reminded the public that they have already invested approximately $3.3 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 the bilateral relations between these countries. In the near future, it will result in the deployment of a group of specialists to Armenia who will provide expert assistance in strengthening borders, and, in the slightly longer term, collaboration in the field of civilian nuclear technology.
Armenia, which for years was perceived as a loyal Kremlin ally, has been attempting to reach out to the West. 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 visible in the military sphere. Efforts confirm plans to desovietize the land forces, and eventually other branches of Armenia's armed forces as well.
During 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 caliber 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 caliber artillery pieces, providing a firing rate of up to 6 rounds per minute and the capability to operate in MRSI mode, allowing them to hit targets up to 25 miles away.
The cooperation on arms contracts between France and Armenia is on a broader scale. This translates to the delivery of air defense equipment such as Ground Master 200 radars and Mistral short-range air defense systems. Armenia also decided on French Bastion armored vehicles.
