Armenia is deepening its defence cooperation with India as a strategic countermeasure against the growing threat posed by Azerbaijan, which is backed by both Pakistan and Türkiye. A high-ranking delegation from the Armenian Army recently visited the School of Artillery located in Maharashtra's Nashik district to explore training opportunities and technological collaboration.
Armenian Delegation Visits India's Artillery School
The three-member delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the training infrastructure and methodologies employed at the School of Artillery. They also observed a live artillery firing exercise, underscoring the practical aspects of India's defence training capabilities.
High-Level Defence Talks in Delhi
Late last month, Armenia's First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Edvard Asryan, held high-level discussions in New Delhi with India's Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. These talks focused on enhancing bilateral military cooperation and addressing shared security concerns.
India's Growing Role as Armenia's Defence Partner
In February 2026, India's Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, visited Yerevan to further strengthen bilateral ties. During the visit, he inaugurated defence research facilities and emphasized joint training in modern warfare. This visit highlighted India's emergence as Armenia's most reliable arms supplier, particularly as Russia, historically Armenia's primary military equipment provider, has reduced deliveries due to its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Azerbaijan's Conflicts with Armenian Forces
Azerbaijan launched two military conflicts against Armenia in 2020 and 2023, with substantial support from Pakistan and Türkiye. Islamabad has signed a deal with Baku to supply 40 JF-17 Block III fighter jets, marking the largest export order for these aircraft. Other operators of the JF-17, such as Myanmar and Nigeria, have procured significantly smaller numbers. During these conflicts, Azerbaijani forces deployed Turkish-origin weapon systems against Armenian troops, prompting Yerevan to seek more robust air defence capabilities.
Armenia Procures India's Akash Missile System
In response to these threats, Armenia turned to India for advanced air defence solutions. Yerevan became the first foreign buyer of India's Akash surface-to-air missile system in 2022, signing a deal valued at $720 million. Deliveries of the Akash system commenced in 2024, significantly bolstering Armenia's ability to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missile threats.
Defence Contracts Worth Nearly $2 Billion
Since 2020, Armenia has inked defence contracts worth approximately $2 billion with India. These agreements include the procurement of Swathi weapon-locating radars, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers (MBRL), and advanced anti-drone systems. The growing defence partnership has positioned India as a key player in the strategic balance of the South Caucasus region.
Future Cooperation and Joint Production
Armenia has increasingly looked to India for advanced weapon systems, military training, and potential joint production initiatives. This collaboration underscores New Delhi's expanding role in ensuring regional stability and countering the influence of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan-Türkiye axis.
