France to sell air defense systems to Armenia

French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu held a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart Suren Papikyan, whom he met in the capital, Paris.

Noting that he was hosting Papikyan in Paris for the third time, Lecornu stated that relations between France and Armenia date back a long history. Expressing that they are increasing cooperation with Armenia in the field of defense, the French Minister announced that his country would open a military attaché office within the French Embassy in Yerevan.

Lecornu stated that France will provide support to Armenia regarding military training during the 2023-2024 period.

Noting that French soldiers will provide training to Armenian soldiers, Lecornu also announced that France has reached an agreement with Armenia on the sale of 3 GM200 radars.

LETTER OF INTENT SIGNED

Stating that the two countries also signed a letter of intent today for the Mistral air defense missile system, the French Minister emphasized that the weapons to be sold to Armenia are for defense and the protection of civilians, not for offensive purposes.

On the other hand, Lecornu confirmed that the French defense company Dassault Aviation is in negotiations with Saudi Arabia regarding the sale of 54 Rafale fighter jets.

Armenian Minister Papikyan also stated that France and the French people have stood by Armenia during its difficult days.

Papikyan expressed that the problems in the South Caucasus and Armenia have not yet been resolved, and claimed that his country aims only for lasting peace in the region.