Armenia has emerged as the largest buyer and importer of weapons from India in the current financial year, according to the Indian Aerospace Defense News agency (IADN), citing a report presented by India’s Finance Ministry to the country’s parliament.
Citing India’s Defense Ministry, IADN reported that the total volume of weapons purchased by Armenia from India reached $600 million by the start of the 2024-25 financial year. While the details of these deals remain undisclosed, the volume underscores the significant deepening of military cooperation between the two countries.
India’s Finance Ministry highlighted that Armenia has become the largest importer of Indian weapons following deals for Pinaka multiple-launch rocket systems and Akash anti-aircraft systems, as referenced by Russia’s TASS news agency.
The bilateral military cooperation between India and Armenia has intensified since the 2020 war in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), during which India’s arch-foe Pakistan strongly supported Azerbaijan. These multimillion-dollar defense contracts reportedly include the delivery of Pinaka systems, Indian-made howitzers, anti-tank rockets, and anti-drone equipment to the Armenian army. Since 2021, Armenia has purchased missiles, artillery systems, air defense systems, and other weapons from India.
Last September, an Indian defense publication reported that Armenia is set to receive a total of 90 ATAGS howitzers over the next three years, with six already delivered.
In May 2024, military officials from India and Armenia held their first “defense consultations” in Yerevan, establishing a working group to implement a joint action plan for 2024 and 2025. This cooperation will encompass not only arms supplies but also military education, tactical training, and experience sharing.
The Armenian government has been seeking to diversify its weapons suppliers. Along with purchasing from India, Yerevan has also signed several arms deals with French companies since last October.
