India to export $295 million worth missiles & weapon systems to Armenia as it fights against Azerbaijan

After recent clashes between Armenian and Azerbaijan troops, India will export missiles, rockets and ammunition, including indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, to Armenia to help defend the nation against the neighbour Azerbaijan.

While the value of the contracts has not been revealed, it is estimated that weapons worth over Rs 2,000 crore will be supplied to the country over the coming months. India has been making significant efforts to increase weapons exports, with policy reforms and active support of the government to secure overseas orders.

Escalation of decades-old conflict has led to renewed tensions between the two south Caucasus countries, fueling fears of a full-fledged war.

India has signed a number of contracts with Armenia for the supply of ammunition, missiles, and rockets, the Economic Times has reported.

Armenia is also set to get anti-tank rockets as well as a range of ammunition from India under the bundled deal, the report stated.

In 2020, India beat competitors from the region to supply four Swathi radars to the nation for an estimated Rs 350 crore.

Designed to the specifications of the Indian Army, these radars are used to track incoming artillery shells, mortars and rockets and give a pinpoint location of enemy launchers and positions. The radars have been successfully employed on both Pakistan and China borders.

This development comes in a bid to push the government’s efforts to increase weapons exports, with policy reforms and active support of the government to secure overseas orders, reported ET. The Centre has set a target to sell weapon systems worth Rs 35,000 crore abroad by 2025.

The defence exports last year stood close to Rs 13,000 crore, mainly driven by the private sector.