Armenian Defense Minister: Iskanders Belong to Us

Defense Minister of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan in an interview with RIA Novosti did not rule out the possibility of renewed war with Azerbaijan.

The main threat to the region is the existing regime in Azerbaijan, which is completely devoid of all democratic forms of control over the army, which increases the risks of fighting, he said.

When asked about the role of the 102^nd Russian military base in Armenia, Sargsyan said the base is an important factor of deterrence and security of Armenia.

Is it true that Russia supplied Armenia missile systems Iskander-M, or did the complex presented at a parade in Yerevan in 2016 belong to the Russian Armed Forces?

In answering this question Sargsyan said Iskanders were delivered to Armenia, and it is obvious to all. “The fact is that they belong to the Armed Forces of Armenia, I can confirm this with absolute certainty.

With regard to the question when, for how much money and for what period of payment, etc. the missiles were bought, it is a “top secret”.  “The missiles are guided by the Armenian armed forces officers properly trained,” he said.

In which case can the Iskanders be applied? On this Sargsyan said these rockets allow causing irreparable damage to the enemy infrastructure. The decision to use Iskanders will be closely linked to the development of the situation. This is primarily a weapon of deterrence, and it must cool any hot head, the minister said.

Asked about arms deliveries totaling $ 200 million and the appropriate Russian loan, the minister expressed his satisfaction with the delivery of arms flows due to this credit, and said the schedule is executed completely.

What is the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh after the April fighting and what conclusions were drawn? Responding to this, Sargsyan said Armenia made serious conclusions and took the necessary measures. In addition, measures of social protection of servicemen have been enhanced. -02D-