India is on the verge of signing a substantial $3.5 to $4 billion arms deal with Armenia, a move poised to enhance Armenia’s defense capabilities amidst its ongoing dispute with Azerbaijan. This significant agreement is expected to cover advanced air defense systems, sophisticated missile platforms, and crucial artillery, thereby strengthening India’s strategic position in the South Caucasus.
Key to the proposed package is the Akash-NG missile system, a modern air defense solution boasting enhanced long-range targeting and interception capabilities. Its integration is seen as vital for Armenia’s air defense network.
Armenia is also showing strong interest in acquiring India’s highly effective BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. This advanced weapon system represents a significant upgrade. Defense analysts believe that securing the BrahMos will substantially bolster Armenia’s military might and simultaneously boost India’s defense export targets and its ‘Make in India’ manufacturing push.
This burgeoning defense relationship follows a series of successful arms transfers from India since 2022. Armenia has already received sophisticated systems such as the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system, Konkurs anti-tank guided missiles, 155mm howitzer guns, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Akash and Akash-NG air defense units, anti-drone systems, and ammunition.
Negotiations are also progressing on establishing a framework for the co-production of the BrahMos missile, which could potentially involve local manufacturing facilities in Armenia. This joint production initiative would deepen the technological and industrial cooperation between the two nations.
According to experts, this extensive defense deal is expected not only to fortify Armenia’s military strength but also to expand India’s geopolitical influence and strategic partnerships within the South Caucasus.
Armenia has become a leading customer for India’s defense exports, with substantial acquisitions beginning in 2023. The bilateral defense ties have been further solidified by diplomatic appointments, including India’s first defense attaché in Armenia in 2023 and Armenia’s reciprocal establishment of a defense attaché post in Yerevan in April 2024, the first such assignment in the Caucasus region.
The initial phase of this strategic partnership involved a $40 million contract for the Swathi weapon-locating radar system. This radar proved its utility and effectiveness, particularly in identifying threats originating from Azerbaijan, and outperformed competing systems.
As Armenia diversifies its defense inventory away from older Soviet-era equipment, Indian technology is at the forefront of its modernization efforts. The India-Armenia defense collaboration marks a significant advancement in regional security dynamics, integrating India’s advanced military hardware with Armenia’s strategic defense needs.
This substantial arms deal prominently highlights India’s growing geopolitical engagement in the South Caucasus and showcases the global competitiveness and technological prowess of its indigenous defense industry.