Armenia strengthens special forces with new weapons and prepares for war Analysis and conclusions on Caliber.Az

We have repeatedly reported on Armenia’s growing military procurements from France and India. This time, our attention was drawn to a segment on the Armenian military-analytical program Zinuj, which showcased Spartan-S thermal imaging sights produced by the Indian company Tonbo Imaging. These sights have been supplied to Armenia’s Special Operations Forces (SOF).

This marks the second time Armenia has openly displayed Indian-made weaponry. The first such demonstration took place on January 28, 2025, during a small parade commemorating the anniversary of the Armenian Armed Forces. At that time, attention was drawn to Arjun sights, also produced by Tonbo Imaging, mounted on AK-74 assault rifles used by units participating in peacekeeping missions.

However, while the initial procurements could be explained by a desire to modernize standard weaponry, the appearance of Spartan-S sights in the arsenal of Armenia’s special forces suggests a different purpose.

The Spartan-S thermal sight is a modern surveillance system designed for tactical units that require effective target designation and night vision capabilities. The device follows the Clip-On standard, meaning it can be mounted on any firearm, including sniper and assault rifles.

Key features of the Spartan-S

Compactness and Lightweight – Weighing only 300 grams, it is easy to carry and use without adding significant weight to the weapon or gear.

- Quick Detach Technology allows the sight to be instantly removed and mounted without losing calibration, giving soldiers the ability to quickly adapt to different combat conditions.

- Boltless TUVE Thermal Core ensures high image detail even in challenging weather conditions, such as fog, rain, and snow.

- The device can be used as a standalone observation tool or mounted on a tactical helmet for maximum flexibility in usage.

- Enhanced Image Processing enables soldiers to not only detect the thermal signatures of the enemy but also gain a more detailed view of the surrounding terrain.

- Silent Operation is a crucial feature for covert operations, as the device’s buttons do not produce any noise when switching modes.

The version of the Spartan-S purchased by Armenia comes in a matte green casing. This device provides soldiers with an advantage during nighttime operations, allowing them to effectively detect targets in conditions of limited visibility.

In addition to the Spartan-S, the following were spotted in the video materials:

- Trijicon ACOG® 4x32 Reflex Sights (USA) – Designed to provide high-precision aiming at medium ranges, used in tactical operations by special forces.

- Cadex Sniper Rifles (Canada) with Nightforce Optics (USA) – High-precision, long-range rifles with exceptional accuracy for targeting at distances over 1000 meters.

- VSS Vintorez and AS Val Suppressed Rifles – Designed for covert operations, these weapons feature built-in suppressors and use special low-noise ammunition (SP-5/SP-6).

- RPG-26 "Aglen" Grenade Launchers – Disposable anti-tank grenade launchers, effective against lightly armoured vehicles and fortified positions.

- PKM Machine Guns – Versatile machine guns used as the primary support weapon for infantry units.

Thus, we observe a clear trend towards equipping Armenia's special forces with modern surveillance devices, sniper systems, and weapons designed for covert operations. This raises the question: why is a country that professes commitment to peace creating elite units focused on offensive and sabotage actions?

Weaponry and strategy: Where is Armenia heading?

Armenia is not merely acquiring weapons; it is shaping a new military doctrine focused on the development of special forces. This is confirmed by the nature of the weapons being acquired, which are designed for small-scale warfare, covert operations, and tactical offensive actions.

In addition to the supplies from India, Armenia is actively receiving armament from France, including surface-to-air missile systems, armoured vehicles, and artillery. All of this points to a systematic increase in military capabilities, especially in areas that extend beyond typical defence modernization.

Creating special forces is a complex and expensive process. Such units are formed for specific purposes, and it is clear that this is not just about border protection. In comparison, Azerbaijan established commando units to ensure sovereignty and territorial integrity. So, what objectives are these new formations in Armenia meant to address?

Conclusions: A clear path toward escalation

Systematic arms procurements, the demonstration of the combat capabilities of newly formed units, and the buildup of specialized weaponry all point to one conclusion: Armenia is preparing for a forceful scenario. If the focus were solely on defensive measures, priority would be given to air defence systems, armoured vehicles, and conventional types of weaponry.

All these facts cast doubt on the peacekeeping rhetoric of Armenia's leadership. Armenia's militarization continues, and the fact that the country is increasingly attracting new international partners only confirms its plans. India, France, Western military technologies—these elements all come together to form a picture in which preparations for war are becoming ever more apparent.