"It is planned to replace the 24-month period of mandatory military service with an 18-month period of service." Suren Papikyan

The National Assembly is discussing the issue of adopting in first reading the draft law on amending the Law "On Military Service and the Status of Servicemen" submitted by the Government.

According to the draft law, it is planned to replace the 24-month period of compulsory military service for ordinary personnel with an 18-month period of service, extending its effect to citizens conscripted for compulsory military service after January 1, 2026.

"Within the framework of the 2025 winter conscription, the recruitment of the armed forces will begin on January 7, 2026, as a result of which citizens conscripted for compulsory military service starting from the 2025 winter conscription will serve for an 18-month period," said RA Defense Minister Suren Papikyan, presenting the project.

According to the minister, the reduction in service terms will not apply to servicemen in compulsory military service as of January 1, 2026.