The Su-30SM fighters can be very useful in protecting Armenia's airspace and sovereignty, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan told a press conference Tuesday.

The minister recalled that the adoption of the next five-year plan for the development of the Armenian Armed Forces and the purchase of weapons will be launched this year. According to him, there is a certain amount of weapons for the Su-30SMs, and additional ones are also expected. The defense minister lauded the role of these fighters and stated that they can be very useful in protecting Armenia's skies and sovereignty.

Papikyan assured that the Armenian Armed Forces are being replenished with the latest equipment.

Responding to a question about the fate of Russian military equipment in the context of the purchase of Western weapons, the Armenian defense minister stated that the acquisition of the latest and most modern equipment that meets NATO standards does not mean that Armenia has abandoned the existing military equipment.

It will be updated, adapted to new equipment, and modernization can be of great importance. All equipment that represents value is important to us,” Papikyan emphasized.

Armenia purchased Su-30SM fighters before the 44-day war in 2020. During the war, however, it was found out that these aircraft were delivered, but their missiles were not.