Armenia Selects India’s Trajan 155mm Howitzer to Modernize Its Artillery Capabilities.

According to information published on January 15, 2025, by The Economic Times, Armenia has chosen India's Trajan 155mm towed artillery system as part of its ongoing military modernization efforts. This significant move marks a deeper defense collaboration between India and Armenia, as the latter continues to enhance its military capabilities. Armenia has selected India as a key partner, not only for the supply of artillery but also for a wide range of advanced defense technologies, including rockets, radars, and missile systems. This partnership is indicative of the growing strategic relations between the two countries in the defense sector.
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The Trajan 155mm Howitzer was displayed at the French Company's booth Nexter (now KNDS) during the Defense Exhibition Eurosatory 2014 in Paris, France.(Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

Armenia has been focused on modernizing its military forces in response to evolving regional security challenges, particularly in the context of its proximity to the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and ongoing tensions with Azerbaijan. Over the past few years, Armenia has sought to diversify its defense partnerships, moving beyond its traditional reliance on Russia to incorporate new technologies and systems from countries like India. This shift reflects Armenia’s desire to bolster its defense infrastructure with advanced, reliable, and cost-effective systems.

The selection of India's Trajan 155mm towed howitzer represents a significant step in Armenia’s artillery modernization. It also highlights India's growing influence as a supplier of advanced military technologies in the region. By partnering with India, Armenia gains access to state-of-the-art defense equipment, a crucial factor for a country that has been trying to modernize its forces amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

The Trajan 155mm towed artillery gun system, developed by India’s Bharat Forge in collaboration with Indian defense agencies and French Company Nexter, now KNDS, is a next-generation piece of artillery that offers superior accuracy, mobility, and firepower. This artillery system is designed to meet the demands of modern combat, with a range of over 40 kilometers depending on the type of ammunition used. The Trajan's modular design makes it easy to transport and deploy, while its automated loading system ensures rapid firing rates, making it an ideal choice for both defensive and offensive operations.

The system features advanced targeting and fire-control systems, which integrate seamlessly with modern military networks. This ensures that artillery units can effectively engage targets with precision, even in fast-paced and complex combat environments. The Trajan 155mm also benefits from a high level of mobility, which is a critical factor for artillery units deployed in terrain that demands both speed and firepower.

For Armenia, the induction of the Trajan howitzer enhances its artillery capabilities, which are crucial for defending its borders and maintaining deterrence in the region. Additionally, it complements Armenia's existing artillery systems, strengthening its overall fire support and operational flexibility.

India’s defense exports to Armenia are not limited to artillery systems. The two countries have been increasing their defense ties in recent years, particularly in light of the evolving security environment in the Caucasus region. India has been positioning itself as a reliable partner for nations looking to modernize their forces without being overly dependent on traditional sources of military technology. This includes providing Armenia with a variety of defense platforms that strengthen its capabilities across different domains.

In addition to artillery, Armenia is expected to benefit from India's diverse defense portfolio. The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system, which has been developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is one such system that Armenia is reportedly looking to acquire. The Pinaka, known for its long-range and high volume of fire, would significantly enhance Armenia's artillery fire support and improve its ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously in any conflict scenario.

Armenia has also shown interest in India’s radar systems, particularly the Arudhra medium-range surveillance radar, which is used for air defense and battlefield surveillance. The Arudhra radar system can detect and track various airborne threats, providing real-time information to help in intercepting hostile aircraft and missiles. By acquiring such systems, Armenia can improve its situational awareness and strengthen its overall defense against aerial threats. Additionally, Armenia’s interest in India’s air defense solutions includes the Akash surface-to-air missile system. The Akash, a medium-range mobile air defense system, can intercept aircraft and missiles, offering Armenia enhanced protection against potential air attacks.

In the realm of missile defense, Armenia has also expressed interest in India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. While still in early discussions, the possibility of Armenia acquiring the BrahMos would be a game-changer for its offensive and defensive capabilities. Known for its speed and accuracy, the BrahMos missile system is capable of striking high-value targets with devastating effect, adding a significant layer of deterrence to Armenia’s defense posture.

The cooperation also offers India an opportunity to strengthen its strategic footprint in the Caucasus, a region that is strategically important due to its proximity to both Europe and the Middle East. India's growing influence as a defense supplier to Armenia is part of a broader strategy to engage with countries in the region that are seeking reliable and technologically advanced military platforms, all while reducing dependency on traditional arms suppliers like Russia.

The selection of India as a defense partner also reflects Armenia's broader foreign policy goals. By diversifying its defense suppliers, Armenia seeks to reduce its dependency on any single nation, particularly Russia, which has traditionally been its main arms supplier. This diversification strategy ensures Armenia maintains flexibility in its defense relationships, a necessity in today’s multipolar world order.

The induction of the Trajan 155mm howitzer into Armenia’s armed forces marks a new chapter in the growing defense partnership between India and Armenia. As Armenia continues to modernize its military forces, the country’s selection of India as a key defense supplier signals a shift towards greater diversification and the strengthening of ties with Asia’s emerging defense giant. With India poised to deliver more advanced systems, including artillery, missile defense, and surveillance technologies, this partnership is set to play an increasingly pivotal role in enhancing Armenia's military capabilities while fostering broader geopolitical collaboration.