Media: India and Armenia have taken another important step in expanding their defense relations

ArmInfo. India and Armenia took another important step in expanding their defense relations: First Deputy Defense Minister and Chief of the General Staff of Armenia, Lieutenant General Edward Asryan, held high-level talks with Chief of the General Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal Singh, and Defense Minister Rajesh Kumar Singh, according to The Indian Express.

According to the source, the discussions focused on the joint development of military equipment, the modernization of the armed forces, and the deepening of strategic cooperation. A statement from the Integrated Defense Directorate (IDS) stated that both sides explored "opportunities for establishing joint ventures in the development of military equipment," indicating a shift from the traditional buyer-seller model to co-development and partnership in local manufacturing. Armenia is reportedly exploring options for domestic production or integration of individual Indian-made defense systems as part of its broader military-industrial modernization.

It was also reported that the talks are taking place amid intense negotiations over the cost of Armenia's acquisition of the Indian tactical quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile system, Pralai, as Yerevan seeks to strengthen deterrence against Azerbaijani precision-guided weapons, including the Israeli-made LORA missiles.

If finalized, the agreement would mark a significant expansion of bilateral defense ties from existing cooperation in artillery, air defense, and surveillance to strategic strikes and would be among India's most significant breakthroughs in high-tech missile exports.

Sources also reported that Lieutenant General Asryan's separate talks with Air Force Chief Marshal A.P. Singh focused on a multi-layered air defense architecture, enhancing fighter jet combat capability, and protecting against drone and missile threats.

Broader military modernization requirements were also discussed, with Armenia reportedly considering acquiring the Indian Astra MK1 long-range air-to-air missile and the possible modernization of its Su-30SM fighter fleet.

Armenia has become one of the largest foreign buyers of Indian defense systems, with contracts valued at over $1.5 billion. The total contract value is expected to continue to grow as additional agreements are concluded.