The Armenian Ministry of Defense has explained why it changed the army emblem and its heraldic symbolism.

In a video, the Ministry said that the old version, adopted in 2001, contained a number of “heraldic, morphological, and ideological shortcomings”; therefore, in the context of the army’s transformation, a process of modernizing and refining the emblem has been initiated.

“The main figure of the previous emblem—the eagle—has significant heraldic and aesthetic shortcomings. The eagle is depicted with a closed beak. In heraldry, a closed beak is considered to indicate a calm, non-combat state and is often perceived as a lifeless image, which contradicts the essence of the military. The main body of the eagle—the torso—is missing; it is merged into the overall surface, creating an image composed only of feathers forming an eagle-like figure. The eagle’s claws, which serve as its weapon, are also absent. This creates the impression of a dismembered, powerless, and vulnerable creature, which is unacceptable for a military symbol,” the Ministry of Defense said in a video statement.

It is noted that in the previous emblem, the sword is placed behind the shield, which in heraldry signifies a lack of readiness for defense.

“However, the mission of the Armenian Armed Forces is to remain constantly ready to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia. In the previous version of the emblem, there is a major error in the depiction of the state flag: it is not shown as a single whole but is fragmented into separate ribbons or pieces. Such distortion of the flag can symbolically be interpreted as a divided, fragmented, or incomplete statehood,” the Ministry explained.

The Ministry of Defense states that the central figure of the new emblem of the Armenian Armed Forces—the eagle—has been reinterpreted and is depicted in a fully realized and complete form. Its head, body, wings, and claws are clearly visible, addressing the shortcomings of the previous emblem.

“The eagle’s beak is open, which in heraldry symbolizes vitality, readiness, vigilance, and the right of speech and power. As an apex predator, the eagle’s clear and dynamic posture directly symbolizes the Armenian Armed Forces’ alertness and combat spirit. It embodies the army’s mission to defend Armenia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. In the new emblem, the eagle is reinforced by a radiant golden sun behind it, with its rays clearly spreading in a circular pattern. The sun here serves as a symbol of light and vitality, embodying the idea of the Armenian people’s endurance. The chosen golden color is not accidental; it represents eternity, prosperity, and power,” the statement in the video said.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the placement of the sun behind the eagle emphasizes the sacred values that are under the protection of the state and the eagle’s guardianship. On the eagle’s chest, there is a round golden shield decorated with the Armenian eight-pointed sun cross, and at its center is a seed, serving as a core symbol of the Armenian Armed Forces.

“The seed reflects future soldiers who are shaped by the call of duty, grow into trees and fruit, and, through the symbolism of eternal continuity, once again produce new seeds. The shield on the eagle represents protection. The eagle holds historically significant weapons in its two talons: in the left, a golden sword, and in the right, the sacred cross of Ashot II the Iron, Patron of the Armenian Army, serving as the army’s military symbol. The sword in the eagle’s claw symbolizes constant readiness. At the top of the emblem are the Armenian national tricolor flag and a map of Armenia. This element harmoniously connects the emblem to Armenia, emphasizing that the army is one of the guarantors of security,” the Ministry of Defense said.

It is noted that reforms under the transformation concept of the Armenian Armed Forces are ongoing.