Armenia has taken steps toward deepening its defense partnership with India by studying the possibility of establishing local production lines for the Pinaka rocket system and 155 mm artillery ammunition, Indian Defence Research Wing reported.
Sources told IDRW that discussions are underway regarding the creation of production infrastructure in Armenia by Indian defense companies, with the aim of ensuring a reliable military supply chain and reducing dependence on foreign supplies during crises, Factor.am writes.
It was noted that this development follows Armenia’s landmark decision to become the first international customer of India’s Pinaka rocket system. In 2022, Yerevan signed a deal worth around 2,000 crore rupees (approximately $265 million) for four Pinaka batteries, including a mix of standard Pinaka Mk-I, enhanced Mk-I rockets and more advanced variants.
After deliveries of the rocket systems were completed by the end of 2024, guided Pinaka rockets were introduced in early 2026, marking a significant advancement in Armenia’s artillery capabilities. It was emphasized that the guided version, with a range of up to 75 kilometers, includes navigation and control systems enabling substantially improved accuracy against high-value targets.
This shift has brought Armenia’s artillery capabilities closer to modern precision systems such as the HIMARS platform, which has demonstrated the operational value of guided rockets in recent conflicts.
According to IDRW, Armenia’s interest in localizing production reflects a broader strategic imperative shaped by the security environment. By establishing domestic production lines for both rockets and 155 mm artillery shells, Yerevan aims to ensure sustainable operational readiness during prolonged combat operations, where supply chain disruptions could critically affect combat effectiveness.
Local production would also make it possible to ensure faster replenishment rates and potential customization of ammunition based on specific operational requirements. For India, this represents a significant achievement in its defense export strategy.
