Armenia Showcases Major Indian-Made Defence Arsenal in Strategic Shift
Armenia has publicly unveiled a significant new batch of advanced Indian-manufactured weapons systems, underscoring the rapidly deepening defence partnership between Yerevan and New Delhi. A video released by the Armenian Ministry of Defence on Sunday provided a comprehensive showcase of artillery systems, multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), and sophisticated air defence assets, all acquired as strategic alternatives to traditional Soviet- and Russian-made military equipment, as reported by the defence analysis outlet Militarnyi.
Advanced Air Defence and Rocket Systems Take Center Stage
The display prominently featured the Akash-1S medium-range surface-to-air missile system, a formidable platform capable of intercepting aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles at distances of up to 30 kilometers. "This acquisition will significantly enhance our air defence capabilities and provide a robust shield for our airspace," a senior Armenian defence official stated during the presentation. Several defence personnel were actively seen inspecting and operating the new systems during the detailed display, highlighting the operational readiness of the newly integrated equipment.
The spotlight also fell intensely on the formidable Pinaka MLRS, a versatile rocket artillery system that can fire both guided and unguided rockets with a standard range of up to 75 kilometers. Notably, extended-range variants of the Pinaka system have recently been successfully trialled, achieving impressive ranges of up to 120 kilometers. The first official batch of Pinaka guided rockets destined for Armenia was ceremoniously flagged off from Nagpur, India, on January 20, 2026, by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. During the event, Minister Singh emphasized India's evolving role, stating, "India is no longer just an importer of defence technology but is rapidly moving towards becoming a major global exporter of advanced military systems."
Substantial Contracts and Diversified Artillery Deployments
This showcase follows a substantial $250-million defence agreement signed between Armenia and India in 2022, which specifically covered the procurement of four complete Pinaka rocket artillery batteries, anti-tank rockets, various types of ammunition, and other critical military support equipment. Deliveries of the initial unguided Pinaka systems commenced in July 2023 and were successfully concluded by November 2024, marking a steady and reliable supply chain.
The exhibition also featured two key artillery pieces: the 155 mm Trajan towed artillery gun and the MArG 155 self-propelled howitzer system, both proudly produced in India. The Trajan gun incorporates an integrated power unit, granting it the unique capability to reposition itself on the battlefield without requiring external assistance. Meanwhile, the MArG 155 system, mounted on a robust 4×4 chassis, offers a firing range of up to 24 kilometers, providing Armenian forces with exceptional mobility and firepower across varied and challenging terrain.
A Strategic Pivot in Defence Sourcing
Armenia's decisive pivot towards Indian defence suppliers gained considerable momentum following perceived limitations in support from traditional ally Moscow during the intense conflicts of the Second Karabakh War. Since 2022, Yerevan has systematically imported a range of Indian military technology, including advanced Swathi counter-battery radars for artillery detection, sophisticated ZEN anti-drone systems, and multiple units of the Akash missile system. This concerted procurement strategy signals a clear and strategic shift by Armenia towards a more diversified and reliable global defence sourcing framework, reducing its historical dependence on a single supplier and enhancing its military autonomy and capability.
