Armenia is looking to expand its defence cooperation with India despite ongoing hostilities with its neighbour Azerbaijan, including the potential purchase of drones, loitering weapons, and mid-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems like the Akash.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media that the objective of the bilateral discussion between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Armenian counterpart Suren Papikyan, which took place on Tuesday outside of DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, was deeper defence collaboration.

Just a few weeks ago, the two nations signed a government-to-government agreement for the sale of 80-mm mortars, Konkurs anti-tank missiles, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, and a wide range of ammunition.

Government sources refused to discuss what happened at the private discussion with the Armenian minister, but they did say that “defence cooperation was the focus.”

Because of the ongoing difficulties with Azerbaijan, a nation that Turkey and Pakistan support, the Center has refrained from commenting on the defence cooperation with Armenia.

However, according to sources, Armenia has been considering the acquisition of local Akash air defence systems.

Additionally, it is considering arming itself with loitering weapons created in India by private businesses like Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Solar Industries.

The sale of Pinaka rockets was the first foreign order for the domestic system, and if the Akash missile system is contracted, it will be the first as well.