Armenia unveils new Indian-supplied air defence, artillery systems PHOTO

Armenia has unveiled a range of new weapons systems supplied by India as part of recently signed defence contracts.

The Armenian Ministry of Defence presented the equipment during an official display, showcasing air defence systems, multiple launch rocket systems and unmanned platforms, Caliber.Az reports.

A central feature of the presentation was the Indian-made Akash-1S medium-range surface-to-air missile system. Armenian defence officials described the system as a key component of the country’s strengthened layered air defence network.

According to publicly available technical data, the Akash-1S is designed to protect military units and strategic facilities and is capable of intercepting aircraft, drones and cruise missiles at distances of up to 30 kilometres.

In the artillery segment, Armenia displayed the Indian Pinaka multiple rocket launcher. The system uses standard launch modules and, depending on the type of munitions, can fire both guided and unguided rockets at ranges of up to 75 kilometres. The Pinaka platform has also drawn interest beyond South Asia, with the French armed forces reportedly considering it as a potential procurement option.

The exhibition also featured the 155mm towed Trajan howitzer. Equipped with an integrated auxiliary power unit, the gun is able to reposition itself over short distances without the need for a towing vehicle or manual handling by the crew.

The Trajan howitzer was originally developed by the French defence company Nexter and is currently produced by KNDS France. Serial production for India’s domestic use, as well as export customers including Armenia, is carried out by the Indian firm Bharat Forge.

Armenia also presented the MArG 155 self-propelled artillery system as part of the display.

By Aghakazim Guliyev