“ARMS CREATED BY US DON’T YIELD TO THE FOREIGN ONES”

Interview with RA AF RChBD Department Head Colonel Sargis Arzumanyan

During the Soviet years the chemical industry of Azerbaijan was considered as well developed, and there were all prerequisites that our enemy could create and use mass destruction weapon (WMD). That’s why RA AF chemical service was formed which was re-formed into a chemical troops unit on October 1, 1992 headed by Lt. Colonel M.Hayrapetyan. After the creation of radiation, chemical and biological defense regiments and sub-units, in March 1997 on the order of the Defense Minister the RChBD unit was transformed into a department.

Today our armed forces and citizens are not secured from the use of radiation, chemical and biological weapons. Our main tasks are: to reveal and assess radiation, chemical and biological situation, organize defense from WMD, lessen visibility of troops and objects. Today all the AF servicemen are supplied with individual gas masks, and specialized sub-units – with protective uniforms. On duty officer of RChBD service can check, if necessary, clarity of the air with special equipment, specialized regiments are equipped with essential technology and are able to implement more complicated tasks.

Shoushan Stepanyan
Photos: Areg Vardanyan