Armenia dumps this global military power to import weapons from…

New Delhi: Armenia, a small usa in Europe, has change into India’s largest arms importer. India’s defence exports reached an all-time record level within the financial year 2023-24, which is around Rs 21,083 crore (about $2.63 billion) as end results of the of growing defence ties between both countries. It truly is 32.5 per cent greater than in 2022-23.

A report by the Ministry of Finance said that Armenia has change into the biggest importer of weapons from India after deals for Pinaka multiple-launch rocket systems and Akash anti-aircraft systems. This report also states that by the start of the present financial year 2024-25, the full purchase of weapons by Armenia from India reached $600 million.

Armenia has long relied on Russia for weapons and defense equipment. Between 2011 and 2020, Armenia imported ninety four% of its weapons from Russia. Which included advanced systems equivalent to Iskander missile systems, Su-30SM fighter aircraft, air defense systems and multiple rocket launchers.

In a mode, Russia has been the backbone of Armenia’s defense force capability for a few years. Alternatively, after the Nagorno-Karabakh war with Azerbaijan in 2020, Armenia began to lose self belief in Russia. At some point of this war, Russia did now now not help Armenia within the style it had hoped.

Then Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan publicly said without naming Russia, “Our allies have didn't deliver arms to Armenia despite contracts over the past two years.” Since then, Pashinyan has taken a cold stance on Moscow. Following this, Armenia started taking a look out out alternative partners for its defense needs and turned to India.

India and Armenia marked the start of a massive partnership in 2020 following which Armenia signed defence deals worth $2 billion with India. After this, the relationship between both countries turned into stronger over a time period. Armenia has been steadily buying advanced weapons from India given the threat from its neighbours, in particular Azerbaijan.

Which weapons does Armenia buy from India?

Pinaka Multi-Launch Rocket System: Renowned for its range and accuracy, the Pinaka systems toughen Armenia’s artillery capabilities, giving Armenia a strategic edge in mountainous areas equivalent to Nagorno-Karabakh.

Akash-1S air defense missile system: Armenia placed a $720 million order for 15 Akash-1S systems in 2022. This changed into the primary international sale of the air defence system developed by Bharat Dynamics Ltd, which is scheduled to be delivered this year. Akash-1S will enable Armenia to defend effectively against aerial threats equivalent to fighter aircraft, guided missiles and drones.

Dornier-228 surveillance aircraft: The provision of Dornier-228 aircraft increases Armenia’s reconnaissance and surveillance capability, allowing it to observe and keep watch over its airspace more effectively.

Other important defense force hardware: India has also given anti-tank guided rockets, bullet-proof jackets, night-vision goggles, artillery and ammunition, small arms and advanced weapon-locating radars to Armenia. These systems collectively provide Armenia with a more modern defense system.