Al Jazeera: Gyumri military base has become a symbol of Armenia's partnership with Russia
Armenia has become a platform for the intersection of interests of international powers, Al Jazeera writes. At the same time, Yerevan is still closely connected with Moscow, the author of the article believes. The Gyumri military base remains a key element of Armenia's security system and a symbol of strategic partnership with Russia.
Fahim as-Surani
Recent events in relations between Moscow and Yerevan make us think about how they will interact in the future. This is due to the fact that Armenia has become a platform for the intersection of interests of influential and conflicting regional and international powers in the South Caucasus region.
These issues have become even more urgent after Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a peace agreement on August 8 after another violent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. In 2023, Azerbaijan regained control of this region during a rapid military operation.
The historic agreement, signed in Washington with the mediation of US President Donald Trump, also confirmed America's exceptional role in this strategically important region. It is worth noting that the Zangezur Corridor has been transformed into the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity." The United States has received exclusive long-term rights to it for a period of 99 years. This agreement connects the Caucasus with Turkey and Europe, separating it from Russia and Iran.
At the center of this geopolitical storm is the fate of the Russian military base in Gyumri, Armenia's second largest city, which is an essential element of the strategic security partnership between Yerevan and Moscow.
The issue of closing this base is causing a lot of controversy, especially given recent statements by Armenian officials about their desire to sever security relations with Russia. The first step on this path was the expulsion of Russian border guards who had been providing security at Yerevan International Airport since the 1990s.
The balance of power
Russian political analyst Dmitry Babich notes that Armenia is going through a period of internal instability and is facing external pressure. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan seeks to maintain a balance of power between the various powers, avoiding drastic actions that could provoke a negative reaction from all sides, including Russia.
The recent agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan has left a number of unresolved issues. Tensions in the region remain high, which may make it difficult to resolve the issue with the Russian military base in Gyumri.
According to him, it is not yet possible to say whether the agreement between the two countries will lead to lasting peace or whether the existing differences will destroy this delicate balance. Therefore, the Armenian government is in no hurry to demand the withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory.
In addition, the political scientist notes that Yerevan is trying to maneuver between East and West, striving to preserve its independence and security in a difficult geopolitical situation. The military base remains a key element of Armenia's security system and a symbol of strategic partnership with Russia.
National security considerations
Andrei Areshev, an expert on the South Caucasus, emphasizes that the location of the base clearly defines its main purpose. It is located on the western outskirts of Gyumri, less than 10 kilometers from the border with Turkey, which he calls "Armenia's sworn enemy."
The base has been playing an important role in ensuring security for several decades. It was one of the few places where the former Soviet Union directly bordered a NATO member state, and remains so to this day.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, poor and independent Armenia once again felt vulnerable to its powerful and larger neighbor, Turkey.
According to the expert, the base in Gyumri will exist as long as the agreement between Russia and Armenia is in force. Moreover, Yerevan has no reason to eliminate it, since the presence of the Russian military will contribute to the balance of forces and interests.
Areshev, on the contrary, believes that the elimination of this base will lead to a further deterioration of relations with Russia. Yerevan is aware of this and does not seek to enter into conflict with Moscow. In addition, over time, the question may arise whether Russia itself needs this base.
Connection and dependence
In 1995, the 102nd Russian military base was established in Gyumri, which is located in the north of Armenia, as part of an agreement between the two countries.
In 2010, during the visit of former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to Armenia, a protocol was signed to extend the validity of the agreement on the Russian military base in Gyumri. The base agreement is extended until 2044, followed by an automatic renewal every five years if neither side expresses a desire to terminate it.
The base has two military garrisons: in Gyumri and in Yerevan. The aviation component of the base is located at the Erebuni airfield (Yerevan) and has about four thousand military personnel.
The base is armed with anti-aircraft missile systems, MiG-29 fighter jets, Mi-24 helicopters and other military equipment, including tanks and infantry fighting vehicles.
In accordance with the agreement, Armenia provides the base free of charge and assumes half of the costs of its maintenance. This base operates within the framework of the CIS joint Air defense system and plays an important role in ensuring Armenia's security, especially on the border with Turkey.
Armenia has always been dependent on Russia for defense. This dependence has its roots in Soviet times and increased significantly after Armenia became a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in 1992.
Russia supplied Armenia with most of its military equipment, including during the First and Second wars in Nagorno-Karabakh, which increased its dependence on Russian military support.
Despite attempts to expand the range of military partners, including France and the European Union, Armenia remains closely linked to Russia due to deep military, economic and geopolitical ties. This dependence is likely to persist and will have an impact on Armenia's international relations and military strategy in the future.
