Armenia, India discussing localisation of Pinaka rocket production

Armenia is seeking to deepen defence ties with India by exploring local production of Guided Pinaka rocket systems and 155mm artillery ammunition, moving cooperation beyond procurement into joint manufacturing, sources familiar with the matter said.

According to the sources, discussions are underway with Indian defence companies over the possible creation of production facilities in Armenia to secure a more resilient wartime supply chain and reduce reliance on external deliveries during periods of crisis, Caliber.Az reports per India's  Defence News media.

The potential industrial partnership follows Armenia’s purchase of India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system, becoming its first international customer in 2022. The contract, valued at around ₹2,000 crore ($265 million), covered four Pinaka batteries, including a mix of Mk-I and Mk-I Enhanced rockets, with provisions for more advanced variants.

Deliveries of the launchers were completed by late 2024, and by early 2026, Armenia had begun inducting Guided Pinaka munitions, marking an upgrade in capability from area-saturation fire to precision-strike operations, the sources said.

The Guided Pinaka system has a reported range of up to 75 kilometres and uses navigation and control systems to improve accuracy against high-value targets, placing it in a category of operational utility comparable to modern precision rocket artillery systems deployed in recent conflicts.

Armenia’s push to localise production reflects broader concerns over sustained combat readiness in a volatile security environment. Domestic manufacturing of rockets and 155mm artillery shells would allow for faster replenishment rates and greater flexibility in adapting munitions to operational needs, the sources added.

For India, the prospective deal would mark a significant step in its defence export strategy, highlighting growing international interest in indigenous systems and signalling a shift toward deeper technology transfer and industrial partnerships with foreign customers.

By Aghakazim Guliyev