A French consortium led by IDEMIA Smart Identity has secured a contract to produce biometric passports and identification cards for Armenian citizens, with production scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026. The Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs awarded the contract to IDEMIA Smart Identity and A.C.I. Technology as part of a public-private partnership program.
The project involves developing comprehensive biometrics infrastructure for Armenia’s national identification system. Armenian Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan confirmed the timeline, stating, “The implementation of this will allow our citizens to not only access government services more efficiently, but also to travel with dignity and take advantage of preferential offers at the borders.”
IDEMIA brings significant experience to the project, having recently implemented digital identity solutions in West Virginia and developed cloud-based biometric systems for law enforcement agencies. The company has also been actively involved in European Union digital identity initiatives.
This modernization of Armenia’s identity documentation system represents a significant technological upgrade. Biometric passports contain embedded electronic microprocessor chips that store biometric information, enhancing security and helping prevent fraud and identity theft.
The selection of a French-led consortium aligns with Armenia’s recent moves to strengthen ties with Western nations. The country’s parliament has initiated steps toward European Union membership, and Armenia signed a strategic partnership agreement with the United States in January of this year. These developments suggest a broader strategy to diversify international relationships beyond traditional regional partnerships.
The implementation of this new biometric system follows a careful planning and tender process that began in 2024, with Armenian officials consistently maintaining the 2026 target date for the system’s launch.
Sources: Arka News Agency, Arm Info
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April 1, 2025 – by Ji-seo Kim
