Armenia is expanding its defence cooperation with India as it seeks to counter growing security threats from Azerbaijan, which is backed by Pakistan and Türkiye, reports TOI. The development comes as Yerevan deepens military engagement with New Delhi through training exchanges, high-level visits and defence procurement agreements.
A high-ranking three-member Armenian Army delegation visited the School of Artillery in Maharashtra’s Nashik district. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on training facilities and operational methodologies used at the institution. The team also observed a live artillery firing exercise.
High-level defence talks held in New Delhi
In a separate engagement last month in Delhi, Armenia’s first deputy minister of defence and chief of the general staff, Lt Gen Edvard Asryan, held discussions with India’s top defence leadership. The talks included Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
India emerges as key defence partner for Armenia
In February 2026, CDS Gen Anil Chauhan visited Yerevan to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. During the visit, he inaugurated defence research facilities and highlighted the importance of joint training in modern warfare. The engagement reflected India’s growing role as a key defence partner for Armenia, especially as Russia has reduced military supplies due to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Regional conflicts drive Armenia’s defence shift
Armenia has faced two major conflicts with Azerbaijan in 2020 and 2023, during which Turkish-origin systems were reportedly used by Azerbaijani forces. Azerbaijan also receives support from Pakistan, which has signed a deal for 40 JF-17 Block III fighter jets. These developments have prompted Armenia to seek more reliable defence systems and partners.
Weapons that Armenia has bought from India
Since 2020, Armenia has signed defence agreements worth nearly $2 billion with India. Armenia’s defence procurement from India includes several advanced systems designed to strengthen its air defence, battlefield awareness and rocket strike capabilities.
Akash surface-to-air missile system
The Akash air defence system is designed to intercept and destroy aerial threats such as fighter aircraft, helicopters and drones. It provides medium-range protection and is equipped with radar-guided tracking and multi-target engagement capability. The system enhances Armenia’s ability to counter missile and unmanned aerial threats.
In 2022, Armenia became the first international buyer of India’s Akash surface-to-air missile system in a $720 million deal.
Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system
The Pinaka system is a long-range rocket artillery platform capable of delivering rapid, high-volume fire over a wide area. It is designed for precision strikes against enemy positions, infrastructure and concentrated troop formations, offering mobility and quick deployment in battlefield conditions.
Swathi weapon locating radar
The Swathi radar system is used to detect and track incoming artillery and mortar fire. It identifies the point of origin of hostile fire, enabling rapid counter-battery response. The system significantly improves battlefield situational awareness and reaction time.
Anti-drone systems
India has also supplied advanced anti-drone technologies designed to detect, track and neutralise unmanned aerial threats. These systems are intended to protect critical infrastructure and military assets from surveillance and attack drones.
Deliveries of the Akash system began in 2024, significantly improving Armenia’s capability to counter aerial and missile threats. Armenia continues to expand cooperation with India in defence training, equipment procurement and potential joint production, strengthening New Delhi’s role in the strategic balance of the South Caucasus.
