March: 19, 2026
Samvel Karapetyan’s “Strong Armenia” party has presented a part of its political program, which is related to the security sector. As the party council member Narek Karapetyan noted during the presentation, the program was developed with the participation of prominent specialists and recognized military experts, including foreign ones.
The legendary Artur Avanesyan (“Kandaz”) joined Karapetyan’s team. Avanesyan’s name is well known to the military, the outstanding detective of the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army has 30 years of combat experience, he was sent to the most dangerous areas many times during clashes with the enemy.
In his speech, Avanesyan stated that Armenia needs an army that knows its opponent well and can act accordingly. The combat officer noted that the complex system of “smart borders” is proposed to be implemented within the framework of Karapetyan’s plan. We are talking about the use of sensor networks working with artificial intelligence, as well as the deployment of autonomous strike systems along the entire border.
It is also proposed to establish a military intelligence and forecasting system to identify threats at an early stage. Another proposed point is the introduction of a unified management system that will include air and information components.
Among the priority directions, he mentioned the creation of the military-industrial complex, which will make it possible to reduce Armenia’s dependence on other countries in crisis situations.
The program pays special attention to anti-aircraft defense. it is not only the acquisition of air defense systems, but also the mass use of interceptor drones, REP systems and many other solutions.
The well-known Greek military figure Eftimis Turtidis also took part in the development of the security plan. A veteran of special forces in Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait and other conflicts, Turtidis proposes to create highly mobile and well-armed border guard units that can solve problems in the most difficult conditions, a unique border special-purpose unit.
If Samvel Karapetyan wins the elections, Turtidis will deal with the training of the Armenian military. According to him, Armenia is located in a region that has never been distinguished by its security. In such harsh geopolitical conditions, his army is required to be thoroughly and continuously prepared.
The presentation ended with Samvel Karapetyan’s video message generated by artificial intelligence. He is convinced that a weak army provokes the enemy, while a strong one maintains peace. They do not ask for peace, but force it.
—