The deployment of Iskander missile systems in Armenia was a necessary measure that sought to secure stability in the region, President Serzh Sargsyan said in an interview with the head of the Russian government-owned international news agency Rossiya Segodnya, Dmitry Kiselyov.

"I believe it was a compulsory measure, aimed at establishing military balance in the region," he said.

"It's no secret that Azerbaijan has been acquiring the most advanced weapons in recent years. We don't have the financial means that Baku does, but we do strive to balance the situation by counteraction. I think the Iskander was a kind of "antidote" in this regard."

"Of course, the arms race is not the best scenario, but what can you do if you are threatened by war and physical extermination every day? You must take corresponding measures," Sargsyan said.

Also, the President reminded of a mutual agreement between Armenia and Russia about maintaining the balance of forces in the South Caucasus region.

"Russia, based on this, agreed to provide these excellent systems to us," he added.

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