Armenia

Brief history
Armenia is a former Soviet Socialist Republic that gained independence in 1992. At the time it inherited a limited amount of Soviet aircraft in August 1992, mostly helicopters that belonged to the 7th army.

After independence
In its early days of independence, a war was fought over Nagorno-Karabach with neighbouring Azerbaijan. At that point in time, Armenian resources were very limited. Later it was able to acquire L-39 trainers and former Slovak Su-25 aircraft in 2004.

Current situation
More recent acquisitions include Mi-17 helicopters and also four Su-30SM were obtained from Russia. The Ministry of Defence operates an 'Air Force One' in the shape of an immaculately looking A319CJ.

Also noteworthy is the presence at Erebuni of some forward deployed Russian forces controlled by 3624th Air Base, consisting of a Russian Air Force fighter squadron and a Russian Army helicopter squadron.