Watch: Armenia ups defence, shows off Indian Akash SAMs, Pinaka

Armenia has unveiled a new batch of Indian-made weapons, highlighting the deepening defence partnership between Yerevan and New Delhi.

A video released by the Armenian Ministry of Defence on Sunday showcased artillery systems, multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), and air defence assets, all acquired as alternatives to Soviet- and Russian-made weapons, reported Militarnyi. Several defence personnel were also seen inspecting the new systems during the display.



The display included the Akash-1S medium-range surface-to-air missile system, capable of intercepting aircraft, drones and cruise missiles up to 30 km. “This will significantly enhance our air defence capabilities,” an official said.




The spotlight was also on the Pinaka MLRS, which can fire guided and unguided rockets up to 75 km, with extended-range variants recently trialled to 120 km. The first batch of Pinaka guided rockets for Armenia was flagged off from Nagpur on January 20, 2026, by defence minister Rajnath Singh, who said: “India is no longer just an importer but is rapidly moving towards becoming an exporter.”

Armenia had signed a $250-million deal in 2022 for four Pinaka batteries, anti-tank rockets, ammunition and other equipment. Deliveries of unguided systems started in July 2023 and concluded in November 2024.

The showcase also featured the 155 mm Trajan towed artillery gun and the MArG 155 self-propelled system, both produced in India. The Trajan’s integrated power unit allows repositioning without external assistance, while the MArG, mounted on a 4×4 chassis, has a range of up to 24 km, providing mobility on varied terrain.

Armenia’s pivot to Indian suppliers gained pace after limited support from Moscow during the Second Karabakh War. Since 2022, Yerevan has imported Swathi counter-battery radars, ZEN counter-drone systems, and Akash missile units, signalling a shift towards diversified defence sourcing.