Armenia has officially unveiled its newly acquired Indian-made weapons. The entire arsenal is on display, including the 155 mm MArG 155 self-propelled gun, the ATAGS self-propelled howitzer, the Akash air defense system, and the Pinaka multiple launch rocket system.
The demonstration was conducted by the Armenian Ministry of Defense in the presence of the Chief of the Defense Staff of the Indian Armed Forces. This serves as a notable indicator of Armenia's gradual shift away from russia, which has increasingly been viewed as an unreliable partner.
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The 155 mm ATAGS howitzer is notable because, unlike many towed models, it is self-propelled. This means that it is equipped with an engine that allows it to move independently at a speed of 12 km/h.
The gun features a 52-caliber barrel, enabling a range of up to 48 km. At the same time, due to non-compliance with certain requirements in India, the system is now expected to enter service in 2027, nearly 10 years after its initial presentation.
As for the MArG 155 self-propelled guns, the first reports of their sale to Armenia appeared in 2022–2023, alongside the ATAGS. This is despite the fact that they have not yet been adopted by India, which is not an uncommon situation.
The self-propelled gun is mounted on a 4x4 truck and equipped with a 39-caliber barrel, which allows it to fire conventional shells at a range of up to 24 km. Weighing 18 tons, it can fire three rounds in 30 seconds, 12 rounds in three minutes, or up to 42 rounds per hour.
The shipment of Akash anti-aircraft missile systems to Armenia became known in November 2024. The agreement to acquire 15 batteries was signed in 2022, with a total value of $720 million.
Overall, this is an air defense system designed to engage aerodynamic targets at ranges of up to 25–30 km, effectively replacing the Soviet Osa. Each battery includes four launchers, one Rajendra radar, a command post, and support vehicles.
Regarding the Pinaka MLRS, Armenia placed an order at the end of 2022, with deliveries expected in 2023–2024, effectively removing the need for russian Smerch systems. In early 2026, modern high-precision rockets for the system were delivered to Armenia, even though they are still undergoing testing and have not yet been adopted by India.
Overall, this represents a broad range of modern weapons that will significantly enhance the capabilities of the country’s armed forces. This process is significant, as relations with Azerbaijan remain tense despite the settlement of the situation.
Indian defense industry products will replace Soviet and russian weapons in the Armenian arsenal. The primary reason is not technical obsolescence, but the russian federation's unreliability as an ally, especially given its "abandonment" of Armenia during the Nagorno-Karabakh war.
Most likely, Armenia's collaboration with India will expand further, as India actively pursues new customers worldwide.
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