The Armenian Defense Ministry on 6 September announced holding joint military exercises with the US military. The exercises Eagle Partner 2023 are to be held from 11 to 20 September in Armenia’s Zar Training Center in the framework of preparation for participation in international peacekeeping missions, the report said.
“The purpose of the exercises is to increase the level of interoperability of the unit participating in international peacekeeping missions within the framework of peacekeeping operations, to exchange best practices in control and tactical communication, as well as to increase the readiness of the Armenian unit for the planned NATO/PfP "Operational Capabilities Concept" evaluation. Within the framework of preparation for peacekeeping missions, units preparing for international peacekeeping operations frequently participate in similar joint exercises and trainings in partner countries,” the Defense Ministry statement says.
A U.S. military spokesperson told Reuters that 85 US and 175 Armenian soldiers would take part in the drills. He said the US military - including members of the Kansas National Guard which has a record of 20-year-old training partnership with Armenia - would be armed with rifles and would not be using heavy weaponry.
Meanwhile Russian President’s Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that “Armenia’s intention to hold joint exercises with the US raises concerns”
“Such news causes apprehension, especially in the current situation. Therefore, we will deeply analyze this news and monitor the situation," Peskov added.
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