New Delhi: Armenia has credited Indian arms deals for helping the country overcome international hesitation in obtaining critical defensive military equipment. Armenian Defence Minister Suren Papikyan said India’s decision to supply key defence systems created a major shift in global attitudes toward supporting Armenia’s security needs.
The development highlights the growing defence partnership between India and Armenia and reflects India’s expanding role as a global defence exporter.
Why Armenia Needed New Defence Partners
Following the September 2022 border clashes with Azerbaijan, Armenia began searching for new and reliable security partners to strengthen its defence capabilities. The conflict exposed vulnerabilities in Armenia’s existing security arrangements and increased the urgency of military modernization.
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Armenia also became increasingly dissatisfied with the response of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a military alliance led by Russia. Armenian leaders publicly questioned the effectiveness of the organization in addressing their security concerns.
Indian Armenia Arms Deal: How India Changed The Situation
According to Armenian officials, India’s willingness to supply important defensive systems helped break an unofficial international reluctance to provide military equipment to Armenia.
The move demonstrated that countries could legally and openly support Armenia’s defensive requirements. It also encouraged broader international engagement with Yerevan’s defence modernization efforts.
India quickly emerged as one of Armenia’s most important new defence suppliers. Recent data show that India has become a major source of military equipment for Armenia in just a few years.
Indian Armenia Arms Deal: Major Indian Defence Systems
One of the most significant deals involved the export of the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher system. The system provides rapid and accurate battlefield firepower and has become one of India’s leading defence exports.
ATAGS Artillery Guns
Armenia has also acquired the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), an indigenous Indian 155mm artillery platform known for its long-range capabilities. Deliveries of ATAGS systems to Armenia have already taken place.
Akash Air Defence System
To strengthen its air defence network, Armenia has purchased the Akash surface-to-air missile system from India. The system is designed to intercept aircraft, drones, and other aerial threats.
Additional Defence Equipment
Reports indicate that Armenia has also procured radars, ammunition, and other military technologies from Indian manufacturers as part of its broader modernization program.
Growing India-Armenia Defence Cooperation
The defence relationship between New Delhi and Yerevan has expanded rapidly since 2022. India’s defence exports have grown significantly in recent years, and Armenia has become one of the most notable international customers for Indian-made military equipment.
The partnership demonstrates India’s ambition to become a larger player in the global defence market. Experts note that India’s entry into Armenia’s defence sector reduced Armenia’s dependence on traditional suppliers and opened the door for additional cooperation with other countries.
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FAQs
Armenia has acquired systems including Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, ATAGS artillery guns, Akash air defence systems, and various radar and ammunition packages.
Armenian Defence Minister Suren Papikyan stated that India’s decision to supply defensive military equipment helped break international reluctance to provide such systems to Armenia.
India has become one of Armenia’s leading defence suppliers, helping the country diversify its military partnerships and modernize its armed forces.
