Armenia Plans to Acquire New Weaponry from India

Armenia is interested in acquiring additional quantities of 155 mm caliber ATAGS artillery systems from India. This was stated by Sudhan Chinoi, the director general of the Defence Research and Analysis Institute of India, in an interview with Sputnik Armenia.

Earlier, media reports indicated that Armenia had ordered upgraded towed artillery systems (ATAGS) from New Delhi for a sum of $155 million as early as 2022. The first batch of 6 units of 155 mm towed howitzers was delivered in August 2023.

“ATAGS are highly maneuverable systems. They are produced in India and have been very successful. The Armenian side has acquired 6 such units and is satisfied with the purchase,” said Chinoi.

He reminded that New Delhi had already delivered Swathi radar systems to Yerevan, with the transaction valued at $40 million. In his assessment, Indian defense technologies are among the best in the world and are in high demand.

Chinoi noted that Armenia has also expressed interest in the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, worth approximately $250 million. He emphasized that the development of India's defense industry is one of the country’s leading sectors. Recently, India has positioned itself not only as a manufacturer but also as a supplier of military products, while attempting to ensure the security of supply chains in the defense sector and encouraging small and medium enterprises.

By 2024, India is set to export about $2.5 billion in defense products. By 2028, it aims to increase this figure to $6.5 billion.

Chinoi believes that Armenia also has potential for developing its defense industry, currently focusing on startups. There are three such companies operating in Armenia, which is significant considering the country’s scale and population. In India, there are around 120 such companies.

Therefore, in the field of military technologies, especially regarding startups, Yerevan and New Delhi can establish active cooperation.