According to the Indian Defence Research Wing (IDRW), as of July 5, 2024, Armenia is actively exploring options to enhance its missile capabilities by considering the acquisition of theater quasi-ballistic missiles from India. This move has been largely prompted by Azerbaijan’s recent deployment of the Israeli-made LORA system during the final days of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The LORA system, with its 400 km range and noted use against the Lachin corridor, has heightened Armenia’s concerns over regional security dynamics. Follow Army
During the Aero India 2023 event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Bharat Electronics and Israel Aerospace Industries for potential production of the LORA system in India, though this agreement is still in its early stages. Concurrently, Armenia is looking into procuring India’s indigenous tactical ballistic missiles to counter regional threats. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has developed two main models of interest to Armenia: the Prahaar, with a 200 km range, and the Pralay, capable of reaching up to 500 km.
The incorporation of such systems could significantly bolster Armenia’s defensive posture, especially considering the country’s existing deployment of India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers with a 90 km range. However, the sensitive nature of this potential transaction, combined with licensing agreements and alignment with national defense priorities, renders the outcome uncertain.