India and Armenia are in the final stages of negotiating a significant defence cooperation package estimated between $3.5 billion and $4 billion, aimed at boosting Armenia’s air defence capabilities, missile systems, and long-range artillery firepower, according to multiple diplomatic and defence sources.
The talks come amid Armenia’s ongoing security challenges in the region, especially following recent escalations with neighbouring Azerbaijan. For New Delhi, the agreements further strengthen India’s strategic footprint in the Eurasian region and position Indian defence manufacturing as a strong alternative to Russian and Western supply lines.
Key Systems Under Discussion
According to top-level sources, several high-value platforms are currently in advanced talks:
Akash-NG Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) System:
Armenia has shown strong interest in the next-generation variant of India’s Akash air defence system. The Akash-NG offers longer range and improved interception capability against high-speed aerial threats, making it suitable for shielding critical military and civilian infrastructure.
BrahMos Missile Co-Production Framework:
Discussions are underway to establish a joint production and technology transfer arrangement for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, one of India’s most sought-after defence exports. If finalised, Armenia would become the first foreign country to take part in co-production of the system.
Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MLRS):
Negotiations on additional units of the Pinaka MLRS are progressing rapidly. Armenia has already inducted a batch of Pinaka systems purchased earlier, and sources confirm the new package could include extended-range variants, launch vehicles, and ammunition supply infrastructure.
Growing Strategic Ties
This defence engagement marks one of India’s largest arms deals in the post-Covid export era. Armenia has emerged as a key partner for India in a region where geopolitical shifts have opened new strategic avenues.
India’s willingness to supply high-precision and long-range systems aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push to expand India’s global defence export footprint under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Meanwhile, Armenia views India as a reliable partner offering timely deliveries and favourable financing something several Western and Russian platforms have struggled to ensure due to supply-chain disruptions.
Looking Ahead
The MoUs are expected to be signed during high-level meetings scheduled in the coming weeks. Defence industry insiders say the deals may also include provisions for:
Training & joint exercises
Maintenance and lifecycle support
Future upgrades and system integration
Once finalised, this will stand among the largest-ever defence export agreements in India’s history, further cementing India as a rising global defence supplier.
More details are expected following official announcements from both governments.
