France and Armenia have signed a new agreement to expand cooperation in defense innovation, focusing on emerging technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence, and quantum systems.

The agreement builds on cooperation that began in 2023 and aims to move joint work from dialogue into structured projects.

The deal is expected to support joint research initiatives, knowledge exchange programs, and collaboration between defense industries in both countries. 

French Minister Delegate for Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Alice Rufo and Armenia’s Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan formalized the memorandum of understanding during President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit.

“These agreements open new opportunities for expanding Armenia-France collaboration in strategic sectors, fostering technological advancement, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and reinforcing bilateral partnership,” Hayrapetyan said.

Armenia’s Wider Security Talks

The new agreement follows a broader series of defense discussions in Europe.

Armenia in May hosted a summit with European Union leaders to advance closer ties, signaling another step in its gradual shift away from Russia toward Brussels.

The talks were attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. Von der Leyen said the aim was to “take a leap forward in a new level of cooperation.”

Armenia has traditionally been aligned with Russia but relations have become strained recently. Yerevan, for its part, continues to balance engagement with both Moscow and the West.