Armenia exports domestically produced weapons for first time, Minister says

A few years ago, it was difficult to imagine that Armenia would become an arms exporter, RA Minister of Defense Mkhitar Hayrapetyan stated. "In recent months, on various occasions, in my various public speeches and interviews, I have said that several domestic manufacturers, Armenian companies, have received permits to export weapons.

And now, with great joy and pride, I want to inform you that three Armenian companies have exported weapons to two different countries during May. Having navigated quite complex, tricky logistical paths and difficulties, Armenian companies reached the target point.

For the first time, Armenian companies were able to deliver the final product developed and manufactured in Armenia to the countries of final use. All this, in fact, has been the dream and one of the Government of the Republic of Armenia's strategic priorities in recent years.

This is precisely the reason why the government has invested billions of drams in recent years and will continue to invest in large-scale military industry projects in the future.

In this regard, I would like to thank my colleagues from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, the National Security Service, the State Revenue Committee, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their strong support throughout this process.

As well as expressing deep gratitude to the domestic manufacturers and military industrialists, who over the years have believed in, developed, and turned the Armenian engineering idea into a final product and exported it from Armenia. As well as to all those colleagues who have supported both the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the military industrialists throughout this entire process.

Once again, I congratulate all of us and just want to remind you that this is the beginning of a long and long journey," the Minister said.