**Armenia's Joint Drills with NATO: A Political Statement, Says Former Defense Minister**
Armenia's former defense minister, Arshak Karapetyan, has characterized the ongoing joint military exercises with NATO member states as politically motivated rather than militarily significant. The drills, known as Eagle Partner, commenced last week and are scheduled to conclude on Thursday. They are officially described as preparations for international peacekeeping missions, but Karapetyan argues that their true purpose lies in political signaling.
The Eagle Partner exercises, which began in 2023, mark a notable development in Armenia's military collaborations, as they include troops from the United States, France, and Greece for the first time. However, Karapetyan, who holds the rank of major general, pointed out that the scale of the drills is relatively small, involving 250 soldiers from Armenia’s Peacekeeping Brigade alongside 93 foreign troops. In contrast, typical NATO exercises often involve thousands of personnel, leading him to conclude that the current drills are more about political posturing than military readiness.
“These military exercises are not for military purposes; they are political,” Karapetyan stated in an interview. He emphasized that Armenia stands to gain little in terms of military capability from the exercises, while also noting the significant political damage Armenia has experienced on the international stage. He highlighted the deteriorating relationship with Russia, traditionally viewed as Armenia's strategic ally.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has also weighed in on the matter. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova remarked that, despite the drills' stated objectives, they are part of a broader Western strategy to distance Armenia from Russia. Zakharova noted that during such exercises, Russia is often portrayed as a "probable adversary," which further complicates the geopolitical landscape.
Historically, Russia has been Armenia's primary security partner, with a long-standing military presence in the country and membership in the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). However, in 2024, Armenia announced a freeze on its participation in the CSTO and indicated intentions to withdraw from the alliance, signaling a shift in its foreign policy approach. This change has coincided with Armenia's efforts to strengthen ties with NATO and the European Union, reflecting a significant pivot in its international relations.
As the Eagle Partner drills continue, the implications of Armenia's evolving military partnerships and its strained relations with Russia remain a focal point of discussion among analysts and policymakers. The exercises serve as a reminder of the shifting dynamics in the region, as Armenia navigates its security needs amidst changing alliances.
The Eagle Partner exercises, while officially framed as peacekeeping preparations, have sparked debate regarding their true intentions and potential impact on Armenia's geopolitical standing. As the situation develops, the response from both NATO and Russia will be closely monitored, particularly in light of Armenia's recent strategic shifts.