Armenia seeks Indian Super Sukhoi upgrades and new Su-30 order to HAL, signaling expanding defence ties with India, amid Russian supply strain
Armenia is looking to significantly enhance its air defense capabilities through a strategic collaboration with India. This potential partnership involves two key initiatives: upgrading Armenia’s existing fleet of four Su-30SM fighter jets to the advanced Indian "Super-30" configuration, and placing an order for additional Su-30MKI fighter jets from India amidst Russia’s struggles to fulfill Armenia’s previous orders.
The upgrade package for the Armenian Su-30SMs would include the integration of advanced Indian-made weaponry and technology. Notable upgrades would involve the installation of the Astra Mk1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, the RudraM air-to-surface missile, the Uttam active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and a new Indian mission computer. Replacing the existing Russian PESA radar with the Uttam AESA system would greatly enhance the detection, tracking, and targeting capabilities of Armenia's Su-30SM fighters, giving them a technological edge in air combat.
Additionally, Armenia is considering purchasing new Su-30MKI jets directly from India. This decision follows Russia’s recent inability to deliver the remaining eight Su-30SM jets that Armenia had originally ordered, largely due to production delays and constraints linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With Russia’s current difficulties, Armenia is turning to India as a reliable partner for its defense needs.
This interest aligns with Russia’s own strategy to shift Su-30 production to India in the wake of Western sanctions. Reopening the production line at Nashik, India, which had closed in 2021, would allow India to fulfill Armenia’s order and continue manufacturing Su-30MKI jets for potential export. Such a deal could be mutually beneficial, as India would gain a new defense customer, and Russia would reduce the impact of international sanctions on its arms industry.
Should Armenia proceed with acquiring additional Su-30MKIs from India, these jets would likely come equipped with the same advanced "Super-30" upgrades. This growing trust in Indian defense technology signifies a deepening defense relationship between Armenia and India, opening up new opportunities for future military cooperation between the two nations.
The success of this proposed collaboration, which includes both upgrades and new jet acquisitions, will depend on ongoing negotiations between Armenia and India. If finalized, this deal would not only enhance Armenia’s air defense capabilities but also further establish India as a key player in the global defense export market, particularly in the realm of advanced military aviation. This agreement could pave the way for future defense partnerships between the two nations, strengthening bilateral ties and solidifying India’s role as a trusted supplier of high-tech defense systems.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced or no information from this article should be used without written permission of theigmp.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copyright strikes, if we find same informations or the entire article without our permission, we will take necessary action.
No comments: