India inaugurated the flight that will allow strategic air cargo exports to Armenia. HALCON, a joint working group (JWG) formed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Container Corporation India (CONCOR), is undertaking this endeavour.
The flight marks a game-changing moment in India’s logistics infrastructure and strategic export capabilities, especially to a friendly country like Armenia that can only be reached by traversing Iran but is at the strategic crossroads of Europe and Asia and is a market for Indian exports.
These exports also include the military sector.
Under this context, it is little surprise that reports have already emerged of Armenia placing an order for the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), which can be deployed at high altitudes, something needed in Caucasian warfare.
EurAsian Times contacted relevant authorities for official confirmation. The official, who wished to stay anonymous, neither accepted nor denied the reports but said a formal reply could be expected next week.
Armenia has previously ordered an MArG 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzer from Kalyani Forge India. In 2023, Armenia ordered six of these ATAGS.
Now, it wants to procure 84 more ATAGS for US$155 million to replace the obsolete Soviet-vintage D-30 122 mm towed howitzers and 2A65 Msta-B 152 mm towed howitzers.
If this news is confirmed, Armenia will be the first export customer of the ATAGS, opening more export opportunities for India.
According to EurAsian Times, Armenian intelligence indicates that Azerbaijan, armed with Turkish and Pakistani weapons, is planning a “full-scale war.” The Armenian response will be with newly acquired Indian and French weapon systems.
Armenia has almost doubled its defence investments over the last year. In 2022, the spending was around US$700 million to US$800 million; now, in 2024, it will be US$1.4-1.5 billion. The defence contracts with India alone account for a billion dollars.
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