India's Defence Exports Gain Momentum as Armenia Tests Cutting-Edge Artillery Systems

Armenia's Defence Modernisation Efforts Gain Momentum with Indian Defence Exports

The Armenian Armed Forces have recently conducted artillery training exercises using Indian-made ATAGS 155mm howitzers and MArG 155-BR self-propelled artillery systems. This development marks a significant milestone in the growing defence cooperation between India and Armenia, with the latter showcasing Indian defence equipment in live-fire drills.

The exercise is part of Armenia's continuous efforts to modernise its artillery equipment and broaden the range of its defence suppliers. By incorporating Indian defence systems, Armenia aims to enhance its military capabilities and strengthen its regional security posture. This move also provides Indian manufacturers with an opportunity to demonstrate the practical value of their systems in a challenging regional security environment.

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is a 155mm/52-calibre howitzer developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Indian industrial partners, including Bharat Forge and defence companies linked to Tata. This system features an automated mechanism for aiming and positioning the gun, a ballistic computer, a muzzle-velocity radar, and an ammunition-handling system. These advanced features enable ATAGS to achieve greater accuracy, speed of deployment, and firing efficiency compared to earlier-generation artillery systems.

ATAGS is designed to operate in various terrain types and climatic conditions, making it an ideal choice for Armenia's rugged terrain. The system's long barrel and modern fire-control system enable it to hit targets at long ranges, depending on the type of ammunition used and the conditions under which it is fired.

The second Indian system participating in the training exercise is the MArG 155-BR, a wheeled, self-propelled 155mm artillery platform developed by Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a company part of the Bharat Forge group. The MArG differs from the towed ATAGS in that it is mounted on a high-mobility vehicle, providing greater tactical flexibility. This allows artillery units to quickly move between firing positions without requiring a separate towing vehicle, facilitating shoot-and-scoot operations.

The MArG platform is designed to facilitate rapid redeployment, minimising exposure to counter-battery fire. This mobility is crucial in modern warfare, where surveillance drones, counter-battery radars, and precision-strike systems can quickly detect artillery positions. By incorporating the MArG system, Armenia aims to enhance its artillery capabilities and adapt to the evolving security landscape.

The artillery exercise takes place within the broader context of expanding defence cooperation between New Delhi and Yerevan. Armenia has acquired or expressed interest in various Indian systems, including artillery guns, weapon-locating radars, air-defence equipment, and rocket systems. This growing partnership reflects India's increasing defence exports and Armenia's commitment to modernising its military capabilities.

Indian Defence Exports: A Growing Trend

India's defence exports have gained significant momentum in recent years, with the country emerging as a major player in the global defence market. The success of Indian defence systems, such as ATAGS and MArG 155-BR, in international markets has been a key driver of this growth. By showcasing these systems in live-fire drills, Armenia has demonstrated its confidence in Indian defence equipment and its commitment to strengthening its military capabilities.

Armenia's Modernisation Efforts: A Strategic Imperative

Armenia's modernisation efforts are driven by the need to enhance its military capabilities and strengthen its regional security posture. By incorporating Indian defence systems, Armenia aims to adapt to the evolving security landscape and counter emerging threats. This strategic imperative is reflected in the country's efforts to modernise its artillery equipment and broaden its defence suppliers.

Key Takeaways

• Armenia has conducted artillery training exercises using Indian-made ATAGS 155mm howitzers and MArG 155-BR self-propelled artillery systems.
• The exercise marks a significant milestone in the growing defence cooperation between India and Armenia.
• ATAGS and MArG 155-BR systems feature advanced features, including automated aiming and ballistic computer systems, enabling greater accuracy and speed of deployment.
• The MArG platform provides greater tactical flexibility, facilitating shoot-and-scoot operations and minimising exposure to counter-battery fire.
• The artillery exercise takes place within the broader context of expanding defence cooperation between New Delhi and Yerevan, reflecting India's increasing defence exports and Armenia's commitment to modernising its military capabilities.