Armenia set to become next buyer of India’s Astra BVR missile
Astra BVR missile. (Image courtesy: Wikimedia)
New Delhi: Armenia is in advanced negotiations with India to acquire the indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile, marking what could become another major defence deal between the two countries. If finalized, the agreement would further deepen the growing India-Armenia defence partnership, which has expanded significantly over the past few years through multiple high-value military procurements.
According to reports, discussions are focused on integrating the Astra missile with Armenia’s Russian-origin Su-30SM fighter aircraft. The missile gained considerable attention after it was operationally deployed by the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fighters during Operation Sindoor, strengthening international interest in the indigenous weapon system.
The negotiations come shortly after India and Indonesia reached an in-principle agreement for the export of Astra missiles during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta earlier this month. Media reports have also indicated that Saudi Arabia is exploring the integration of Astra missiles with its F-15 and Eurofighter Typhoon fleets.
The Astra Mk-1 is India’s first indigenously developed BVR air-to-air missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). It can engage aerial targets out to about 80–110 kilometres and flies at speeds up to Mach 4.5. India has also tested the Astra Mk-2 missile with a greater range and is developing the Astra Mk-3 missile with a ramjet engine designed for ranges of more than 300 kilometres.
The Armenia deal would be yet another landmark in India’s rise as an exporter of advanced air combat systems, adding to a defence relationship that has grown rapidly beyond traditional artillery and air defence systems.
India’s expanding defence partnership with Armenia
Armenia has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Indian defence equipment in recent years. Since 2020, Yerevan has signed multiple contracts with Indian defence manufacturers as it seeks to modernise its armed forces.
Among the most significant acquisitions is the Akash surface-to-air missile system, acquired under a deal reportedly worth about ₹6,000 crore. Armenia became the first foreign customer for the indigenous air-defence system, designed to intercept fighter aircraft, helicopters, drones and cruise missiles.
It has also bought the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket-launcher system that can carry out precision strikes at longer ranges, along with ammunition and support vehicles.
Armenia has also inducted the DRDO developed Swathi Weapon Locating Radar which detects and tracks enemy artillery, mortars and rocket launchers. India has also handed over the advanced towed artillery gun system (ATAGS), a 155mm artillery gun developed jointly by DRDO and Indian industry and anti-drone systems manufactured by ZEN Technologies to boost Armenia’s counter unmanned aerial capabilities.
