Armenia Becomes India’s Leading Defence Export Destination

October 29, 2024

Armenia has emerged as India’s leading destination for defence exports. In the fiscal year 2023-24 achieved a record in defence exports, totalling Rs 21,083 crore (approximately $2.63 billion). This marks a 32.5% increase from the previous year. Rising security concerns in Eurasia have prompted Armenia to shift away from its historical reliance on Russian arms, seeking diversification and self-reliance in its defence strategy.

Shifts from Russian Dependence

Historically, Armenia relied heavily on Russia for military supplies, receiving about 94% of its arms from Moscow between 2011 and 2020. This included advanced weaponry like the Iskander missile system and Su-30SM fighter jets. However, the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war revealed weaknesses in Russian support. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed frustration over Russia’s failure to deliver contracted weapons. This dissatisfaction prompted Armenia to seek alternative defence partnerships, leading to closer ties with India.

Partnership Development

The partnership between India and Armenia began to solidify in 2020, with defence agreements estimated at $2 billion. Armenia quickly became the top destination for Indian arms. This shift marked an important transition from reliance on Russian military support to a strategic alliance with India.

Key Defence Acquisitions

Armenia’s defence agreements with India include several sophisticated military systems:

Pinaka Multi-Launch Rocket Systems: These systems enhance Armenia’s artillery capabilities, providing a strategic advantage in mountainous terrains like Nagorno-Karabakh.

Akash-1S Air Defence Missile System: Armenia placed a $720 million order for 15 units in 2022. This system will help defend against aerial threats such as fighter jets and drones.

Dornier-228 Surveillance Aircraft: This aircraft improves Armenia’s reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, enhancing airspace control.

Additional Military Hardware: India has supplied anti-tank guided rockets, night-vision goggles, bullet-proof vests, and advanced weapon-locating radars, modernising Armenia’s defence posture.

Strengthening the Partnership

The defence relationship is further supported by high-level meetings, such as the 2022 meeting between Armenian Defence Minister Suren Papikyan and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The establishment of an Armenian defence attaché in New Delhi in 2023 underscores the commitment to this partnership. This facilitates coordination on defence projects and training exchanges, enhancing operational capabilities.

India’s Strategic Interests

For India, the partnership with Armenia is part of a broader strategy to enhance influence in the South Caucasus. This counters the trilateral alliance between Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan, especially evident during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. India’s support for Armenia positions it as a key player in regional security. India is also engaging in trilateral dialogues with Armenia and Iran, and seeks to join the Eurasian Economic Union as an observer state. The defence partnership aligns with India’s ambition to become a major global defence exporter, enhancing its economic goals.

Mutual Benefits

The defence partnership offers advantages for both nations. For Armenia, it provides an opportunity to modernise its military and reduce dependence on a single supplier. For India, it opens avenues for deeper engagement in Eurasia and a stronger defence export market. Deliveries of advanced systems like the Akash missile and Pinaka rocket launchers signify deepening ties, paving the way for potential future collaborations and co-development of defence technology. This partnership may encourage other nations in the region to reconsider their defence relationships and alliances in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

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