ArmInfo.Over the past 4-5 years, Armenia's military-industrial complex (MIC) has made a quantum leap. This was stated by Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Minister of High-Tech Industry of Armenia, speaking at the Eurosatory 2026 international exhibition in Paris.
In this regard, he noted that 172 billion drams have been invested in the industry through the state procurement system, and a decision has been made to conclude new long-term contracts for an additional 190 billion drams. As a result of this policy, the industry's turnover has reached approximately 70 billion drams, and Armenian military products are already being exported.
In his speech, the minister presented conceptual approaches to developing Armenia's military-industrial complex, emphasizing that even small countries can remain competitive in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and technological progress thanks to their flexibility and targeted investments.
"Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the core technology of modern defense systems. However, technology alone is not enough. I believe human capital remains the key competitive advantage. Armenia continues to actively invest in engineering education, the development of startups, research institutes, and partnerships with leading global technology companies. Our goal is clear: to create an environment in which talented specialists can realize their potential, create and scale products that contribute to both economic development and strengthening national security," Hayrapetyan said.
He emphasized that the future belongs to interconnected ecosystems that can work together to create conditions for innovation. "I am convinced that innovative ecosystems thrive when startups have the opportunity to quickly test ideas, make mistakes, learn from them, and improve their solutions. This is why we are consistently simplifying testing procedures and expanding access to real-world operational testing environments," the minister said. To successfully compete globally, he added, Armenia is also developing the Garden of AI Factories concept, which will allow domestic defense industry companies to conduct complex engineering modeling and necessary testing with the support of the state, which provides the necessary resources and infrastructure.
Hayrapetyan also emphasized Armenia's readiness to expand international cooperation, noting that the Armenian government is consistently working to simplify export licensing procedures. This will allow Armenian technological solutions to more confidently enter global markets. "Armenia is transforming from a consumer into a partner offering the world high-tech products, where scientific potential, energy capabilities, and computing power combine to strengthen national security and technological development," the minister said.
