$2 billion defence deal: Armenia buys Indian weapons to counter Azerbaijan-Pakistan-Turkiye alliance

Armenia is increasing its defence cooperation with India and has signed military deals worth nearly $2 billion to strengthen its armed forces against growing threats from Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Turkiye, as per reports. 

The move comes as Armenia looks for new defence partners after Russia reduced military support because of the ongoing Ukraine war. Armenia is now buying advanced weapons and defence systems from India to improve its security and military strength.

Recently, a three-member Armenian Army delegation visited the School of Artillery in Nashik, Maharashtra. The team observed training methods and watched a live artillery firing exercise.

Last month, Armenia’s senior military official Lt Gen Edvard Asryan also held high-level talks in New Delhi with India’s top defence leadership, including Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi as per reports.

India has reportedly become one of Armenia’s major defence partners since 2020. Armenia has reportedly purchased several important military systems from India, including the Akash surface to air missile system, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers and Swathi weapon locating radars. 

The Akash missile system helps destroy aerial threats such as fighter jets, helicopters and drones. Armenia signed a $720 million (₹6,888 Crores) deal for the system in 2022, becoming its first foreign buyer. Deliveries started in 2024.

Armenia has also bought the Pinaka rocket launcher system, which can launch heavy rocket attacks over long distances, and the Swathi radar system, which helps detect enemy artillery and mortar fire.

India has additionally supplied anti-drone systems to protect military bases and important infrastructure. Officials from both countries are also discussing future cooperation in defence training, joint production and possible upgrades for Armenia’s Su-30SM fighter aircraft using Indian technology.

Armenia’s growing defence ties with India come after conflicts with Azerbaijan in 2020 and 2023, during which Azerbaijan used Turkish military systems. Pakistan has also strengthened defence relations with Azerbaijan by signing a deal to supply 40 JF-17 Block III fighter jets as per reports.