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Opposition lawmaker Tigran Abrahamyan has denounced the Armenian government’s plans to shorten compulsory military service in the country by 2027, warning of national security risks.

The changes are part of the Defense Ministry’s concept of reforming the Armenian armed forces which was recently approved by the National Security Council. Recruiting more contract soldiers is expected to offset the reduction in the number of conscripts in the army.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Abrahamyan, who represents the opposition Pativ Unem faction, called the scheme reckless, citing the current shortage of military personnel in Armenia.

He suggested that the Armenian authorities could be fulfilling Azerbaijan’s demands of demilitarization for a peace deal with Armenia by shortening military service.

Also, the MP said the planned measure could be aimed at securing more voters for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s party at the 2026 parliamentary elections.

He recalled Pashinyan’s statements on shorter compulsory military service and the creation of a “professional army” while campaigning for the 2021 elections.

“In the run-up to the next elections, it could be used to influence the voting behavior,” Abrahamyan added.