Armenia is interested in acquiring additional 155mm ATAGS, advanced towed artillery gun systems from India, said Sujan Chinoy, Director of the Indian Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses, during an interview with Sputnik Armenia.
ATAGS are highly maneuverable artillery gun systems. They are made in India and have been highly successful. Armenia purchased six ATAGS and was satisfied with the purchase, said Chinoy.
Chinoy noted that India has already delivered Swathi weapon locating radar systems to Armenia, with a contract value of $40 million. According to him, the Indian missile systems are among the best in the world and are in high demand.
Chinoy believes Armenia also has the potential to develop its defense industry, which is currently focused on startups. “Armenia has three such companies, which is not a small number given the country’s size and population. India has 120 such companies. Therefore, Yerevan and Delhi can establish active cooperation in the area of military technologies, especially in issues concerning startups,” Chinoy said.
Previous media reports show that Armenia ordered ATAGS systems worth $155 million from Delhi back in 2022 and received the first batch in August 2023.
Chinoy added that Armenia has also shown interest in India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers (MRLS) worth about $250 million.
According to India’s Defense Ministry, Armenia has acquired $600 million worth of weapons from India in the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
The expert emphasized that the development of India’s military industry is one of the country’s flagship projects. Recently, the Indian side has positioned itself not only as a manufacturer but also as a supplier of military products, while simultaneously trying to ensure the security of the defense supply chain and encourage small and medium enterprises.
