Armenia has significantly strengthened its defence partnership with India over the past few years as tensions continue to rise in the South Caucasus region. Since 2020, Yerevan has signed defence agreements worth nearly $2 billion with New Delhi, making India its largest and most important arms supplier. The growing partnership comes as Armenia looks to counter the military cooperation between Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkey, which has expanded rapidly in recent years.

India has already started delivering several advanced defence systems to Armenia. These include the Akash surface-to-air missile system, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, Swathi weapon locating radars and modern anti-drone technologies. Along with equipment supplies, both countries are also increasing cooperation through military training, defence research and high-level strategic engagements.

Armenia’s decision to deepen ties with India is largely driven by security concerns linked to Azerbaijan. Baku has received strong political and military support from Turkey and Pakistan, especially after the conflicts in the region in 2020 and 2023. During these wars, Azerbaijan reportedly used Turkish-origin military systems effectively, which raised concerns in Armenia about its own defence preparedness.

India’s role became more important after Russia’s defence exports to Armenia slowed down because of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Armenia has therefore been searching for reliable defence partners capable of supplying modern military systems without delays. India has emerged as a strong alternative by offering advanced equipment and expanding strategic cooperation.

One of the biggest defence agreements between the two countries was signed in 2022 when Armenia became the first foreign buyer of India’s Akash missile system. The deal, valued at around $720 million, marked a major milestone for India’s defence exports. The Akash system is designed to provide medium-range air defence and can target aircraft, helicopters and drones. It uses radar-guided tracking and can engage multiple threats at the same time. Deliveries of the missile system started in 2024 and are expected to strengthen Armenia’s ability to respond to aerial attacks and missile threats.

Apart from air defence systems, Armenia has also acquired India’s Pinaka rocket launcher system. Pinaka is known for its long-range precision strike capability and rapid firing power. The system can be deployed quickly and provides high battlefield mobility, giving Armenian forces better artillery support during combat operations.

India has additionally supplied the Swathi weapon locating radar to Armenia. This radar system can detect and track incoming artillery shells and mortar fire. It helps armed forces identify enemy firing positions quickly and allows rapid counterattacks. The system is expected to improve Armenia’s battlefield awareness and defensive response capability.

Another major area of cooperation involves anti-drone systems supplied by India. Modern warfare has increasingly seen the use of drones for surveillance and attacks. Armenia’s newly acquired anti-drone technologies are designed to detect, track and neutralise such aerial threats. These systems are considered crucial for protecting military installations and critical infrastructure.

The defence partnership between the two nations is not limited to weapons purchases alone. Armenia has also expanded military training cooperation with India. A three-member delegation from the Armenian Army recently visited the School of Artillery in Nashik, Maharashtra. During the visit, the delegation received detailed briefings on training methods and operational systems. They also witnessed a live artillery firing exercise, reflecting growing military coordination between the two countries.

Several high-level meetings have further strengthened bilateral defence relations. In April 2026, Armenia’s First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff, Lt Gen Edvard Asryan, visited New Delhi and held talks with India’s top military leadership. He met Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to discuss defence cooperation and regional security issues.

Earlier in February 2026, Gen Anil Chauhan visited Armenia’s capital, Yerevan. During the visit, he inaugurated defence research facilities and highlighted the importance of joint military training and cooperation in modern warfare technologies. The visit was seen as another important step towards deepening strategic ties between the two countries.

Armenia’s growing concerns over regional security have increased after Pakistan expanded military support to Azerbaijan. Islamabad recently signed an agreement to supply 40 JF-17 Block-III fighter jets to Baku. This development, along with Turkey’s continued defence support to Azerbaijan, has pushed Armenia to strengthen its military preparedness through partnerships with countries like India.

India’s defence exports have witnessed major growth in recent years, with Armenia becoming one of its biggest international customers. The partnership not only supports Armenia’s security needs but also helps India strengthen its strategic influence in the South Caucasus region. Both countries are now also exploring possibilities for joint production and defence research projects, which could further deepen long-term military cooperation.