YEREVAN — The United States has approved the transfer of reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Armenia and announced significant new investments in energy, technology, and defense cooperation, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated on February 9 during a joint press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Vice President Vance confirmed that the United States has authorized the sale of $11 million worth of reconnaissance drone technologies to Armenia, describing the move as part of a broader effort to ensure sustainable peace through advanced defense capabilities. He emphasized that the initiative would also generate new jobs and attract investment.
Addressing the regional peace process, Vance said the United States is working alongside Armenia not only to build peace, but also to ensure long-term prosperity. He highlighted the TRIPP initiative as a transformative regional project that will enhance trade, transit, and energy connectivity while strengthening peace through economic integration.
The U.S. Vice President also announced that the U.S. State Department has approved licenses for NVIDIA, paving the way for high-tech investment and chip-related projects in Armenia—developments expected to create new markets and skilled employment opportunities.
Vice President Vance stated that Armenia is now at a point where it can become a major pillar of economic development in the region. He made the remarks during an expanded-format meeting with Prime Minister Pashinyan in Yerevan.
At the beginning of his address, the U.S. Vice President conveyed warm greetings to Armenia and the Armenian people from U.S. President Donald Trump.
“This is a wonderful country. Thank you for hosting me and my family. This is one of the oldest Christian nations. I firmly believe that you have the opportunity not only to establish a lasting and irreversible peace, but that Armenia is now at a point where it can become a very serious hub for economic development in this region—bringing prosperity to the Armenian people and having a positive impact on the people of the United States as well,” Vice President Vance said.
On the energy front, the two governments signed a joint statement marking the conclusion of negotiations on a cooperation agreement for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, commonly referred to as the “123 Agreement.” Vice President Vance stated that the agreement could unlock up to $9 billion in combined investments across two phases, including the introduction of U.S. small modular reactor technologies in Armenia.
Prime Minister Pashinyan welcomed the developments, underscoring the importance of Armenia–Turkey dialogue within the TRIPP framework, including the potential reopening of the Gyumri–Kars railway. He noted that the nuclear energy agreement would open a new chapter in Armenia–U.S. energy cooperation, strengthen energy security, and diversify Armenia’s energy resources through the use of safe and innovative technologies.
Pashinyan also highlighted significant progress in Armenia–U.S. military and defense cooperation, including the continuation of the “Eagle Partner” joint exercises and Armenia’s acquisition of U.S.-made UAVs, describing the partnership as a key pillar of regional stability.
Prime Minister Pashinyan and Vice President Vance signed a Joint Statement on the Conclusion of Negotiations on an Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the United States on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
“This agreement will open a new chapter in the deepening energy partnership between Armenia and the United States and will contribute to the diversification of Armenia’s energy resources through the introduction of safe and innovative technologies. I also expressed my gratitude for the long-standing support provided by the United States to Armenia in the field of nuclear safety and reaffirmed my readiness to further develop sectoral cooperation in areas of critical importance to both countries,” Prime Minister Pashinyan said.
