 |
Mikael ArutyunyanArmenian military and statesman, Minister of Defense of Armenia
Date of Birth: 10.02.1946
Country:  Armenia |
Content:
- Mikayel Harutyunyan: Armenian Military Leader and Statesman
- Early Military Career
- Advanced Military Education and Professional Career
- Service in the Armenian Armed Forces
- Minister of Defense
- Post-Ministerial Career and Investigation
- Awards and Honors
- Combat Cross of the 2nd degree
- Order of the Armenian Apostolic Church "Saint Nerses Shnorhali"
Mikayel Harutyunyan: Armenian Military Leader and Statesman
Mikayel Harutyunyan, a prominent Armenian military leader and statesman, served as Armenia's Minister of Defense from 2007 to 2008. He held the rank of Colonel General (2002).
Early Military Career
Born in 1946, Harutyunyan graduated from the Baku Higher Combined Arms Command School in 1967. He served as a platoon commander in the Soviet Army from 1967 to 1971 and as a reconnaissance company commander from 1971 to 1973.
Advanced Military Education and Professional Career
Harutyunyan furthered his military education at the Frunze Military Academy from 1973 to 1976. After graduating, he served as chief of reconnaissance for the Yerevan Motorized Rifle Division from 1976 to 1982. From 1982 to 1986, he held various positions, including chief of reconnaissance for the Kutaisi Army Corps and deputy chief of staff and chief of reconnaissance for the 7th Guards Army of the Transcaucasian Military District.
In 1986, Harutyunyan attended the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the USSR. He then served as a senior lecturer at the Academy from 1988 to 1992.
Service in the Armenian Armed Forces
Upon Armenia's independence in 1991, Harutyunyan played a key role in the establishment of the Armenian Armed Forces. He was appointed first deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Armenia in 1992, a position he held until 1994. During this period, he was also head of the Operational Directorate.
From 1994 to 2007, Harutyunyan served as Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Armenia and first deputy minister of defense. He attained the ranks of major general (1994), lieutenant general (1996), and colonel general (2002).
Minister of Defense
In 2007, Harutyunyan was appointed Minister of Defense of Armenia, a position he held until 2008.
Post-Ministerial Career and Investigation
After leaving the Ministry of Defense, Harutyunyan served as chief military inspector under the President of Armenia from April 2008. He was elected an academician of the Russian Academy of Engineering Sciences in 2000.
In 2018, Harutyunyan was declared wanted on suspicion of complicity in the shooting of protesters in March 2008.
Awards and Honors
Harutyunyan received numerous awards and decorations, including:Order "For Services to the Fatherland" of the 2nd degree (2016)
Order "For Service to the Homeland in the Armed Forces of the USSR" of the 3rd degree
Combat Cross of the 2nd degree
Combat Cross of the 2nd degree (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic)Order of Saint Mesrop Mashtots (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic)
Order of Vardan Mamikonian
Officer of the Legion of Honor
Medal "For Battle Merits"
Medal "For Services to the Fatherland" of the 1st degree
Marshal Baghramyan Medal
Andranik Ozanian Medal
Medals "For Impeccable Service" of the 1st and 2nd degrees
Medal "For Strengthening Military Cooperation"
Commemorative Medal "Coat of Arms"
Commemorative Medal of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and personal weapon
