In June 2026, large-scale international military exercises codenamed "Eagle Partner 2026" will take place in Armenia. Organized under the coordination of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, the event will focus on preparing specialists for tasks within international peacekeeping missions.
Participants and Schedule
The maneuvers are scheduled for the period from June 17 to 25. The core of the contingent will consist of 250 servicemen from the Peacekeeping Brigade of the Armed Forces of Armenia. However, a key feature of the exercises will be the presence of foreign partners, highlighting the international nature of the training.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the following will join the training:
- 58 military personnel from the US Army Europe and Africa, as well as representatives of the Kansas National Guard;
- 24 representatives of the French Armed Forces;
- 11 servicemen from Greece.
Objectives and Goals of the Maneuvers
The main goal of the exercises is to enhance interoperability between units of various countries during international operations. During the training, military personnel will practice force management skills, tactical communication, and field experience exchange. The Armenian ministry noted that such joint training is a regular practice for the country's units, which frequently travel to similar exercises in partner states.
Geopolitical Context
The conduct of exercises involving the US, France, and Greece takes place against the backdrop of a noticeable transformation in Armenia's defense strategy. In recent months, Yerevan has demonstrably reduced its activity within security structures under the aegis of Russia, including the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), while simultaneously expanding military cooperation with the West.
Similar Eagle Partner exercises held a year earlier already provoked sharp criticism from Moscow. Tensions in relations between Yerevan and Moscow have also intensified at the political level: recently, Vladimir Putin demanded a referendum in Armenia on the possible accession of the country to the European Union, to which Yerevan responded with a statement of intent to begin this path.