India exports indigenously developed Pinaka MBRLS to Armenia amidst regional tensions

India has exported it's first indigenously designed and developed Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System (MBRLS) Pinaka to Armenia via Iran, filling a void left by Russia's preoccupation with the Ukraine war. This development has drawn attention from the region and raised concerns about India's expanding military cooperation with Armenia during the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani media claims that the first consignment of Pinaka MBRLS, designed by India's Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is en route to Armenia through Iran's Bandar Abbas port. The export deal aims to enhance Armenia's military capabilities in response to regional tensions.

Azerbaijan expresses concerns over military cooperation

Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, Hikmet Hajiyev, met with Indian diplomat Sridharan Madhusudhanan to express concerns over the burgeoning military cooperation between India and Armenia. Notably, this cooperation comes at a time when both countries are engaged in conflict.  

In January 2023, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev criticised India's supply of weapons to Armenia, considering it an 'unfriendly move'. President Aliyev emphasised that Azerbaijan would respond to any perceived threats, whether within its territory or beyond its borders.  

The roots of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan lie in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has been a contentious issue since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Although a cease-fire agreement was signed in 1994, periodic violence has continued to plague the region.  

Pinaka MBRLS: A game-changer for Armenia

The Pinaka system, on par with the US HIMARS, offers advanced features that attracted Armenia's interest. Developed to replace the Russian GRAD BM-21, the Pinaka MK-1's "Shoot and Scoot" capability enables the launcher to evade counter-battery fire effectively. This feature is crucial, given Azerbaijan's heavy use of drones in the conflict.

_{^{Image: Twitter/@adgpi (An operational Pinaka-ER Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher System)}}

The Pinaka MBRLS export contract with Armenia is a significant milestone for India's Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The system boasts near-zero import content, underlining India's growing self-sufficiency in defence production. Already in service with the Indian Army, the Pinaka MBRLS has been effectively deployed along India's borders with China and Pakistan. Its track record of reliability and performance has contributed to its appeal in the international market. Armenia, historically reliant on Russian-supplied weaponry, is now seeking to diversify its military supplies. The government-to-government contract with India has secured four batteries of the Pinaka rocket system, bolstering Armenia's defence capabilities.

In addition to the Pinaka system, Armenia acquired four indigenous Swathi weapons-locating radars from India in 2020. Developed jointly by DRDO and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the Swathi radars utilise phased array technology for detecting and directing counter-battery fire against enemy ordnance. India's foray into international defense exports is gaining momentum with the successful export of the Pinaka MBRLS. As India strengthens its position in the global defense market, it emerges as a reliable partner for nations seeking modern and indigenous military solutions. The export of advanced defense systems showcases India's growing self-reliance and capabilities.