Coat of arms of Armenian armed forces changed behind closed doors?

The coat of arms of the Armenian armed forces was changed behind closed doors, without public discussions and without hearing the opinions of experts, writes the newspaper “Zhoghovurd,” commenting on the appearance of the new symbol on posters for Republic Day.

The Armenian Defense Ministry did not respond to the publication when the emblem was changed or on what basis this was done, stating that they would comment on the issue after May 28.

The new emblem with the inscription “Republic Day” depicts the flag of Armenia, on which is a map of the country (which the ruling Civil Contract party uses as a lapel badge). Also depicted are an eagle with a blade and a cross, but the equilateral cross on the shield has been removed and replaced with a different symbol.

“The question arises: why was the public not informed in advance about plans to change such an important symbol for Armenia? Why is the public being presented with a fait accompli? In the case of a state symbol, at a minimum, an open and transparent process of change is expected — public discussions with the participation of heraldists, representatives of the army and the Church,” the publication writes.

In turn, the publication “Graparak” reports that participants in the military parade scheduled for May 28 in Yerevan will be in new uniforms.

“The authorities have purchased about 5 thousand units of new uniforms, possibly from an American company. However, the new uniform will be provided to the army as a whole by the end of the year,” the publication says.

The publication notes that Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan had already promised in November 2023 that the new uniform would be ready in 2024.

Recall that Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan previously stated that the May 28 parade on Republic Square in Yerevan will feature military equipment in service with the Armenian armed forces — from drones and radar systems to communications equipment and more.