Armenia claims Russia withholding paid military equipment

Amid growing tensions between Armenia and Russia, a new controversy has emerged surrounding the delivery of military equipment.

A recently surfaced image appears to show a Russian-made Tor-M2KM air defense system, allegedly painted in the camouflage colors of the Armenian Armed Forces, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

According to Clash Report, this system was purchased by Armenia but has yet to be delivered. This incident adds to a series of similar complaints from Armenia, which has accused Russia of withholding military supplies that were already paid for, including ammunition, weapons, and other defence systems, despite existing agreements.   Throughout 2023 and 2024, Armenia repeatedly raised concerns about Russia's failure to deliver essential military equipment. These grievances reflect growing frustration in Armenia with its longstanding military partnership with Russia.

Armenia’s main complaints center on the delays in receiving critical military supplies, including air defence systems, artillery shells, and other advanced weaponry. These contracts were signed years ago, but according to Armenian military officials, Russia has yet to fulfill its obligations. The Armenian government has argued that the failure to deliver these essential supplies jeopardizes national security, especially given the tense geopolitical climate in the region.  

In response, Armenia has begun seeking alternative sources of support, turning to Western countries and Iran to meet its defence needs. Russia, however, has defended its actions, attributing the delays to logistical issues and the complexities of the defence industry. 

Despite these explanations, they have failed to ease the growing dissatisfaction in Armenia, where many once relied on Russia as a key supplier of weapons and military assistance. This controversy arises amid wider allegations that Russia has been diverting arms and military equipment intended for other countries to support its war efforts in Ukraine. 

There are photographic reports indicating that Russian military units have used tanks originally earmarked for repairs in India before the conflict, as well as weaponry from Venezuela and Syria, which appears to have been redirected to the frontline in Ukraine.   Armenia’s situation, however, is not an isolated case. Similar reports of undelivered or repurposed military supplies have emerged from Syria.

While Russia has supplied S-300 air defence systems to Damascus, it has struggled to meet its military commitments to Syria, resulting in delays and shortages of critical components, including replacement missiles. This pattern reflects a broader issue of Russia failing to uphold its defence agreements, both with its allies and international clients. 

The Tor-M2KM system, which Armenia is reported to have paid for, is a Russian-made mobile short-range air defence system designed to protect tactical assets from various aerial threats. This system is an upgraded version of the original Tor-M2, featuring enhancements that improve its ability to counter modern, fast-moving airborne targets. 

Designed for rapid deployment in a range of environmental conditions, the Tor-M2KM is a highly adaptable tool for contemporary combat situations. Its primary weapon, the 9M338 missile, is an advanced version of the previous model’s missile, capable of targeting aircraft, missiles, drones, and other low-altitude threats at short ranges.

By Naila Huseynova