The number of servicemembers choosing to continue their military careers after completing mandatory service is on the rise, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan told lawmakers on Friday.

He said that 5,200 servicemembers have signed up for voluntary service through the “Homeland Defender” contract program so far.

“Under the servicemember certification process, 3,270 personnel were certified in 2025 and continue to serve. Since the process was introduced, 73% of applicants have been certified.1,777 servicemembers have joined the Homeland Defender program, through which enlisted personnel move from mandatory service to [voluntary] contract service. Compared to 2024, the number of participants has increased by 180, bringing the total in 2025 to 4,234. Currently, this figure has surpassed 5,200,” Papikyan said during a parliamentary committee hearing on the Defense Ministry’s 2025 performance under the 2021–2026 government program.

As part of the rollout of the new NCO system, roughly 120 sergeant positions have been added, and servicemembers who completed the required training have been assigned to these posts. In addition, around 200 trained instructors have joined the military through instructor training programs.

Men called up for Armenia’s 1.5-year mandatory military service have the option, under the Homeland Defender program, to sign a five-year contract with the possibility of extension, giving them additional benefits and career opportunities.