Armenia cooperates with the US in AI and diversifies defense technologies: ambassador
16.07.2026,
10:28
Armenia is pursuing a policy of diversification in the areas of security, energy, artificial intelligence, and supply chains to strengthen its sovereignty and reduce dependence on a single partner, said Narek Mkrtchyan, the Armenian Ambassador to the US, in an interview with Axios.
YEREVAN, July 16. /ARKA/. Armenia is pursuing a policy of diversification in the areas of security, energy, artificial intelligence, and supply chains to strengthen its sovereignty and reduce dependence on a single partner, said Narek Mkrtchyan, the Armenian Ambassador to the US, in an interview with Axios.
"We are making our sovereignty more resilient. We are trying to make Armenia more independent. More sovereignty means less dependence on a single player," the diplomat said.
According to him, Yerevan is seeking to diversify its energy sources, defense technology suppliers, supply chain components, and future partners in the field of artificial intelligence.
Mkrtchyan noted that Armenia, which has long relied on Soviet-made weapons, is developing defense cooperation with France, India, and several other countries, acquiring various types of equipment, artillery, and missile systems.
According to Axios, US Vice President J.D. Vance's first visit to Armenia in February was accompanied by the announcement of a deal to supply V-BAT drones manufactured by the American company Shield AI.
"Now the door is open. After decades, we have the opportunity to purchase defense technology from the US. This is part of our diversification policy. We are currently receiving various types of technology from more than seven countries, including the US," he added.
At the same time, the diplomat emphasized that Armenia's developing cooperation with Washington and Brussels is not directed against other countries. "I want to make one thing clear. Our cooperation with the US, the expansion of our agenda with the US, and our recent close dialogue with the European Union on various strategically important issues are not directed against Russia, Iran, China, or any other country," Mkrtchyan said.
The ambassador also expressed Armenia's interest in American small modular reactors and the US State Department's Pax Silica initiative.
This program aims to develop secure technology partnerships and supply chains in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and critical materials.
Furthermore, Axios notes that US authorities approved the export of Nvidia chips to Armenia for a large data center in late 2025. Previously, it was reported that this was a 100-megawatt project with an initial investment of $500 million.
"There is not a single sector right now that doesn't rely on artificial intelligence. It could be economics, it could be defense," Mkrtchyan stated.
Speaking about regional prospects, he noted the importance of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
"Great potential has been blocked due to the lack of peace. Once we implement the peace agenda, prosperity will come," the ambassador said.
Axios also notes that Armenia is among the signatories of the founding charter of the Peace Council initiated by US President Donald Trump. The document was signed on behalf of Armenia by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at a ceremony in Davos.
"We are making our sovereignty more resilient. We are trying to make Armenia more independent. More sovereignty means less dependence on a single player," the diplomat said.
According to him, Yerevan is seeking to diversify its energy sources, defense technology suppliers, supply chain components, and future partners in the field of artificial intelligence.
Mkrtchyan noted that Armenia, which has long relied on Soviet-made weapons, is developing defense cooperation with France, India, and several other countries, acquiring various types of equipment, artillery, and missile systems.
According to Axios, US Vice President J.D. Vance's first visit to Armenia in February was accompanied by the announcement of a deal to supply V-BAT drones manufactured by the American company Shield AI.
"Now the door is open. After decades, we have the opportunity to purchase defense technology from the US. This is part of our diversification policy. We are currently receiving various types of technology from more than seven countries, including the US," he added.
At the same time, the diplomat emphasized that Armenia's developing cooperation with Washington and Brussels is not directed against other countries. "I want to make one thing clear. Our cooperation with the US, the expansion of our agenda with the US, and our recent close dialogue with the European Union on various strategically important issues are not directed against Russia, Iran, China, or any other country," Mkrtchyan said.
The ambassador also expressed Armenia's interest in American small modular reactors and the US State Department's Pax Silica initiative.
This program aims to develop secure technology partnerships and supply chains in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and critical materials.
Furthermore, Axios notes that US authorities approved the export of Nvidia chips to Armenia for a large data center in late 2025. Previously, it was reported that this was a 100-megawatt project with an initial investment of $500 million.
"There is not a single sector right now that doesn't rely on artificial intelligence. It could be economics, it could be defense," Mkrtchyan stated.
Speaking about regional prospects, he noted the importance of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
"Great potential has been blocked due to the lack of peace. Once we implement the peace agenda, prosperity will come," the ambassador said.
Axios also notes that Armenia is among the signatories of the founding charter of the Peace Council initiated by US President Donald Trump. The document was signed on behalf of Armenia by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at a ceremony in Davos.