The United States and Armenia have signed new agreements on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and nuclear cooperation during an official visit by US Vice President James David Vance to the Armenian capital, Yerevan, marking a significant expansion of bilateral ties.

Vance held talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, after which the two sides announced an $11 million deal for the sale of surveillance drones as well as a framework agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Speaking after the meeting, Vance said the United States would sell V-BAT-type surveillance UAVs to Armenia under a new defense cooperation arrangement. He described the deal as the first major transfer of advanced US military technology to Armenia, stressing that the drones would be used for Armenia’s security needs.

“This is the first time we are announcing a major military technology sale,” Vance said. “The $11 million surveillance drone agreement will contribute to Armenia’s security, while also creating new opportunities for investment and employment in the US defense technology sector.”

Vance also praised Prime Minister Pashinyan, claiming that the Armenian leader has made “significant progress” in relations with Washington and has established what he called a strong working relationship with both himself and US President Donald Trump.

“We are not only building peace for Armenia,” Vance said, “but also laying the foundations for shared prosperity between Armenia and the United States.”

Prime Minister Pashinyan, for his part, welcomed the agreements, saying cooperation with Washington in the military and defense fields has reached an important stage. He stated that the drone deal would make a “meaningful contribution” to strengthening Armenia’s defense capacity.

Pashinyan added that the agreement, implemented within the framework of the US foreign military sales program, could serve as a solid basis for expanding future cooperation between the two countries.

In addition to defense cooperation, the two sides signed an agreement on civil nuclear cooperation, which international media report is intended to enhance collaboration on nuclear safety, technology, and energy development. The agreement is seen as part of Washington’s broader effort to deepen its strategic footprint in the South Caucasus.

The visit and the agreements come amid ongoing regional tensions and shifting geopolitical alignments, as Armenia seeks to diversify its international partnerships while the United States continues to expand its political, military, and technological influence in the region.(ILKHA)