U.S. to Transfer Intelligence Drones to Armenia as Vance Endorses Pashinyan and Signs New Energy, Tech Agreements
The United States plans to transfer intelligence drones to Armenia, strengthening the two countries’ military, economic, and technological cooperation. The announcement was made by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance during a joint press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan.
During the press conference, Vice President Vance also stated that he endorses Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7, praising his leadership and reform agenda and expressing confidence in the continuation of Armenia–U.S. cooperation under his government.
Vice President Vance said, “President Trump knows very well that the best way to ensure peace is through the deployment and distribution of the best military technologies. The U.S. has now approved the sale of $11 million worth of intelligence drone technology to Armenia. We are confident that the peace that needs to be built will remain stable. This also means creating additional jobs and attracting investments.”
Vance emphasized that peace is built by forward-looking action. “Peace is not built by cautious people; peace is not built in the past; peace is built in the future. For Armenia, we are building not only peace but also prosperity—together with the United States. This would not have been possible without the leadership of your country’s leader. I truly believe that today marks a new beginning for cooperation and partnership between Armenia and the United States,” he said.
The Vice President also highlighted the TRIPP program, which aims to increase regional trade, energy connectivity, and economic development. “It will bring radical transformation to the region. A new world will open up for international trade, transit, and energy flows, providing unprecedented connectivity between Armenia and neighboring countries. This is excellent not only for the prosperity of the Armenian people but also supportive of the peace process. When you connect the energy sector, the economy, and so on, you contribute to peace. We want not just to establish peace but to ensure that the peace we build endures,” Vance explained.
Vance also spoke about investments by the American technology company NVIDIA. “The U.S. State Department has approved several licenses for NVIDIA. What does this mean? New markets, new jobs. These are chips that do not exist in most countries in the world and cannot exist elsewhere. Now they are being produced here—in Armenia,” he said.
On nuclear energy cooperation, Vance noted the completion of negotiations between the Armenian and U.S. governments. “Our countries have completed negotiations in the field of civil nuclear energy. Once this is implemented, it will open pathways for American and Armenian companies. In future projects, we are talking about initial investments of $5 billion, and later, in the second phase, another $4 billion. This is a mutually beneficial situation for both Armenia and my country—from the perspective of energy security and stability, as well as creating many jobs. This also means small modular reactors, meaning American technology will come to this country. I repeat—this is one of the rare cases where our country feels confident enough to export specific technologies,” Vance said.
Prime Minister Pashinyan mentioned ongoing dialogue between Armenia and Turkey within the TRIPP framework, including the opening of the Gyumri-Kars railway. He also noted the signing of the joint statement on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. “This agreement will open a new chapter in the deepening energy partnership between Armenia and the U.S. and will contribute to diversifying Armenia’s energy resources by involving safe and innovative technologies. I also expressed my gratitude for the long-standing U.S. support to Armenia in the field of nuclear safety and expressed readiness to further develop cooperation in key areas for both countries. I hope that the close and transparent cooperation formed between Armenia and the United States in high-tech sectors will further strengthen mutually beneficial collaboration between companies from both countries,” Pashinyan said.
The Prime Minister added that Armenia-U.S. military and defense cooperation has seen significant progress. This continues long-term security collaboration, including the “Eagle Partner” exercises held for three consecutive years. Armenia has already acquired drones from the U.S., further enhancing its defense capabilities.
The announcement of drone transfers, combined with economic, energy, and technological agreements, is a new stage in Armenia-U.S. relations. Officials from both countries emphasized that these measures aim to ensure stable peace, strengthen regional connectivity, and create new opportunities for Armenian businesses and workers.
source