US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Yerevan, Armenia, on an official visit on Monday, marking a new era in relations between Armenia and the United States characterized by strategic agreements in the energy and defense sectors.
A cornerstone of the visit was the signing of a “Joint Statement on the Completion of Negotiations on a Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the United States in the Field of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.”
“This agreement will open a new chapter in deepening the energy partnership between Armenia and the United States and will contribute to the diversification of Armenia’s energy resources through the introduction of safe and innovative technologies,” stated Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
This move is widely seen as part of Armenia’s effort to reduce its energy dependence and integrate modern American standards into its civil nuclear infrastructure.
Defense partnership and V-BAT unmanned aerial systems
The visit also yielded major announcements regarding defense. Pashinyan highlighted the “significant progress” made in Armenian-American military and defense cooperation.
Armenia has officially acquired V-BAT type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from the United States.
According to the prime minister, these systems, the effectiveness of which has been proven by extensive operational experience, will substantially strengthen Armenia’s defense capabilities.
The deal was conducted through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
Pashinyan expressed hope that this transaction, following years of cooperation and the “Eagle Partner” exercises, would serve as a foundation for further expanding military-technical cooperation.
Visit details and delegation
Vice President Vance arrived in Yerevan with his wife, Usha Vance, and their children. At Zvartnots International Airport, the delegation was welcomed by high-ranking officials, including the President of the National Assembly, the Mayor of Yerevan and the US Deputy Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs.
The visit included a private meeting between Pashinyan and Vance, followed by discussions in an expanded format. The leaders addressed regional security issues and the prospects for long-term economic partnership.
The big picture
Vance’s visit to Yerevan serves as a signal of increased US geopolitical engagement in the South Caucasus and a definitive shift in Armenia’s foreign policy vector.
For years, Armenia has been the “odd man out” in the CSTO, Russia’s equivalent of NATO.
Today’s events suggest that the divorce is nearing completion. As Washington offers SMR (Small Modular Reactor) technology and tactical drones, Yerevan is betting its survival on a partnership with the United States rather than its historical “protector,” the Kremlin.