Our weapons allow us to protect ourselves, says Ohanyan
Seyran Ohanyan made this statement at the Interview program of the Armenian Public TV Channel.
“I believe that Azerbaijani leadership made adequate conclusions from the relatively peaceful situation at the front line, realizing that they cannot achieve an easy victory. The failed blitzkrieg shows that they need to think more thoroughly next time. They were dealing with NKR Defense Army, which is competent in the region now owing to its combat readiness, effiency and professionalism,” Minister said.
According to him, Defense Armies of Armenia and Artsakh analyze the situation after every action, which ensures correct planning.
“Joint analysis shows that development plans of Armenian Army correspond with current situation. Defense projects, our weapons and their current amount allow us to ensure protection and undertake counter-attacks,” said Seyran Ohanyan.
On the other hand, Minister stressed that although Armenian Armed Forces had minor failures, they were not unprepared during the April war.
“If we were not prepared, Azerbaijani Armed Forces would have achieved their goal during the offensive,” said Armenian Defense Minister.
Touching upon the discharges in Armenian Army, Seyran Ohanyan noticed that changes in personnel were made within the reforms. As for the upcoming conscription, Minister said that it will be implemented by the usual schedule.
“This will be the first conscription after the four-day war. The war showed that our young people are more than ready to serve, have a great sense of responsibility and can master the job of protectors of motherland very quickly. This year we will emphasize events aimed on military and patriotic upbringing for persons under conscription age,” Minister said.
While speaking about the Russian loan and deadlines of heavy armament supplies, Seyran Ohanyan noted that provision of the loan and implementation of related agreements proceed according to the schedule. He stated that more than 80% agreements have been signed, and the rest will be signed as well soon.
Touching upon the agreement on Joint Regional Air Defense System of Collective Security in Caucasus between Armenia and Russia, Minister said: “I would like to repeat that during both peaceful times and military actions, planning and use of Armenian forces and means of the Joint regional air defense system will be implemented by the command staff of Armenian Air Force and Air Defense units.”