Armenia can use Russian jets, S-300s in joint air-defense system: official

PanARMENIAN.Net - The creation of a joint air defense system will enable Armenia to use Russia's defense potential to carry out regional military tasks, the country’s top military official said Tuesday, June 28.

Russia and Armenia on December 23, 2015 signed a collective security deal on a united regional air defense system in the Caucasus.

The air defense agreement between Russia and Armenia has been signed by the heads of defense of the two countries, Sergey Shoigu and Seyran Ohanyan.

“Under the agreement, we’ll be able to make use of 4th generation multifunctional Russian fighter jets, S-300 missile systems, plus not just air defense but also missile defense facilities,” Ohanyan said, according to Aysor.am.

“We’ll use Russia’s capabilities for radiolocation, aerial reconnaissance purposes.”

Weighing on the public’s concerns over the management of the system, the Minister said: “Both at peaceful times and during military operations, Armenia’s air defense and aviation command staff will implement the management of the system’s Armenian sector. The General Staff and the Air Defense and Aviation Department of the Armed Forces will give commands in case of necessity.”