Armenia seeks Indian sssistance for upgrading Su-30SM, Pilot and Ground Crew Training, and shows interest in Astra Mk-1 BVRAAM

Source : IgMp Bureau

An Armenian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jet

The Armenian Air Force, which operates a fleet of four Su-30SM fighter jets, has requested training support from the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its pilots and ground crew. The Su-30SM is a specialized variant of the Su-30MKI, originally developed for the Russian Air Force and export markets.

With the IAF being the largest operator of Su-30MKI fighters worldwide, it has gained significant expertise in managing and maintaining these sophisticated aircraft. Armenia, with its smaller air force, seeks to benefit from India’s extensive infrastructure and skilled personnel for training its future pilots and support teams.

Armenia’s lack of beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM) severely limited its aerial capabilities during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The absence of such missiles prevented the deployment of its Su-30SM and Su-27 fighters, as there was a high risk of them being targeted by Azerbaijani air defenses and fighter jets. After acquiring several advanced Indian-made weapons like the Pinaka MBRL, Kalyani TC-20 truck-mounted howitzer, ATAGS 155mm howitzers, Akash SAM systems, and Zen anti-drone systems, Armenia now aims to enhance its air combat capabilities by integrating the Indian Astra Mk-1 BVRAAM into its Su-30 and Su-27 fleets. The Astra Mk-1, with a minimum range of 110 kilometers, would greatly improve Armenia’s ability to engage in long-range aerial combat. Armenia is also considering the Astra Mk-2, currently undergoing trials in India, for future acquisition.

Astra Mk-1 BVRAAM

In addition to pilot training, Armenia seeks to train its maintenance personnel in India to ensure its Su-30SM fleet remains fully operational. By gaining the necessary expertise from the IAF, Armenian technicians will be able to maintain and repair the aircraft, reducing their reliance on external support.

Furthermore, Armenia plans to upgrade its entire Su-27 and Su-30 fleet by incorporating new avionics, electronic warfare systems, and updated weapons integration through software upgrades. The country has sought India’s assistance in this area as well. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which manufactures Su-30 aircraft under license in India, has developed significant expertise in these upgrades, and Armenia is looking to HAL with high expectations.

A training collaboration between the IAF and the Armenian Air Force would not only enhance Armenia’s military capabilities but also strengthen the strategic relationship between the two nations. It would offer India an opportunity to showcase its military aviation expertise and pave the way for further defense cooperation.

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