France and Armenia Agree on Strategic Partnership and Military Cooperation

France and Armenia have signed a joint declaration establishing a strategic partnership and agreed to expand cooperation in the defense sector.

According to Aravot, the document was signed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and French President Emmanuel Macron.

In addition, the two countries signed 13 other bilateral agreements covering defense, finance, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and education.

In particular, a memorandum of understanding between the defense ministries of Armenia and France provides for cooperation in research, development, and advanced military technologies.

In addition, Armenia’s defense ministry signed a contract with the French group Sofema to supply equipment.

An agreement was also concluded with Airbus Helicopters for the delivery of transport helicopters. According to local media, this involves six multi-purpose Airbus H145 helicopters.

It is worth noting that in June 2024, France’s defense minister announced the signing of an agreement to supply Armenia with Caesar self-propelled howitzers.

French President Emmanuel Macron, during a visit to Yerevan, also called on Europe to help Armenia independently secure its borders. Currently, about 4,000 Russian troops remain in the country, including more than 1,000 border guards.

Russian forces are stationed in Armenia under an interstate agreement that established the 102nd military base in Gyumri. This facility serves as Russia’s military presence in the South Caucasus region.

The base was established in 1995 for a period of 25 years, but the agreement was later extended. Under the revised terms, the Russian contingent can remain in the country until 2044.

Russian forces have also been guarding Armenia’s borders since 1992. At that time, the countries signed an agreement under which Russia’s FSB Border Service assumed control of the borders with Türkiye and Iran.