As tensions in the South Caucasus simmer, France has stepped forward to bolster Armenia’s defensive capabilities, in a move signaling Paris’s commitment to Yerevan amidst ongoing regional instability. This proactive engagement includes a sizable military aid package and potential threats to the ethnic Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The French government, driven by concerns over potential ethnic cleansing and allegations of war crimes, has provided Armenia with substantial financial and humanitarian assistance. According to a report, France has increased its support to refugees and displaced persons in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh to €12.5 million since the start of the year, supplementing this aid with emergency relief shipments.
A pivotal moment came on October 23 when French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu officially announced the sale of defensive weapons to Armenia. The procurement includes three Ground Master (GM200) radars from France’s Thales, with the capacity to detect enemy aircraft at a range of up to 250 kilometers. This robust detection capability is vital for Armenia to safeguard its airspace and territorial integrity.
Moreover, France has committed to train Armenian military officers and extend military cooperation in mountain combat and precision shooting. Despite France’s own challenges, it has pushed to underpin a fresh security architecture for Armenia, which is perceived as an increasingly reliable partner in a region facing a security vacuum.
The US, on its part, has not turned a blind eye to the situation. Secretary of State Antony Blinken briefed lawmakers on the risk of Azerbaijani aggression against Armenia after the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. The concern is that any further action by Baku could ignite a wider conflagration in a region where multiple powers, including Turkey, Russia, and Iran, have strategic stakes.
Armenia’s strategic pivot is underscored by its decision to distance itself from Russia, despite its membership in the Moscow-led CSTO military alliance. The Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly voiced the need to reduce reliance on Russia for protection, highlighting the country’s intention to recalibrate its defense and diplomatic alliances.
The deepening military ties between France and Armenia have alarmed Azerbaijan, with President Ilham Aliyev accusing that “the provision of weapons by France to Armenia was an approach that was not serving peace, but one intended to inflate a new conflict” and labeling its actions as neocolonialism. Baku’s reaction includes a warning to the European Council that France’s provision of weapons to Armenia could potentially ignite a new conflict.
In defense of its actions, French Armed Forces Minister Lecornu stated, “Good luck explaining that the weapons [we’re selling] have an aggressive version. These are weapons systems which, by their very nature, can only be deployed in the event of aggression on Armenian territory.” France’s assurance is that it is equipping Armenia with defensive capabilities, not offensive ones.
Relevant articles:
– Nagorno-Karabakh – France mobilizes additional assistance (27.09.23), diplomatie.gouv.fr
– Why is France arming Armenia?, civilnet.am
– France sends weapons to Armenia amid fears of new conflict with Azerbaijan, politico.eu, Oct 23, 2023
– France plants flag in Russia’s backyard with Armenia arms deals, politico.eu, Feb 23, 2024