In what seems to be one of New Delhi’s most significant defence export agreements to date, India is allegedly speeding up talks with Armenia for the supply of Sukhoi Su-30MKI multirole fighter aircraft.
Once finalised, the order, which is anticipated to be worth between 2.5 and 3 billion US dollars, would be Armenia’s largest-ever military purchase and a turning point in India’s development as a reputable aerospace exporter.
After years of military dissatisfaction and a decline in trust in Moscow’s security guarantees, especially following Azerbaijan’s resounding military victories in Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020 and 2023, Armenia has turned to India.
Yerevan started to diversify its defence alliances in response to diminishing Russian backing and depleted inventory, discovering in India a practical and trustworthy provider.
Armenia purchased modern 155mm artillery systems, anti-tank ammunition, Swathi weapon-locating radars, and Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers from several Indian firms, notably Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), between 2022 and 2024. Thus, the possible purchase of the Su-30MKI represents a distinct change from tactical weapons to advanced air warfare capability.
Defence sources claim that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is building an export line specifically designed to meet Armenian operational needs for the Su-30MKI. Around 2027, deliveries might start.
An indigenous Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a fully digital cockpit, Astra beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, and a next-generation electronic warfare suite for improved survivability and counter-stealth capability are anticipated features of the export configuration.
The Armenian Air Force would have a clear technological advantage against Azerbaijan’s recently purchased JF-17C Block-III fighters, which are Pakistan’s first integrated BVR-capable fleet. Additionally, the Armenian fleet is probably equipped with precision-guided missiles and sophisticated targeting pods that meet Russian and Indian weapon specifications.
The growing defence cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan coincides with the alignment between India and Armenia. An important milestone in Pakistan’s export portfolio, the sale of 40 JF-17C Block-III multi-role fighters by Islamabad to Baku earlier this year heralded a new axis of military cooperation that went beyond traditional allies.
Armenia has been compelled to rebuild its air-defense ecosystem and strive for parity in both deterrence and capabilities projection because to Azerbaijan’s operational experience, which includes the successful employment of Turkish drones and Israeli loitering munitions.
India’s most competent and combat-proven air superiority platform is still the Su-30MKI. The twin-engine aircraft, which was jointly developed by India’s HAL and Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau, combines extended endurance, huge cargo capacity, and 3D thrust-vectoring manoeuvrability to enable both long-range strike duties and dogfight domination.
Over 150 Indian Air Force aircraft have been undergoing a comprehensive “Super Sukhoi” modernisation from 2023. The program incorporates cutting-edge Indian subsystems, such as improved electronic warfare receivers, better mission computers, and compatibility with Astra MK-2 and MK-3 BVR missiles. These weapons now place the aircraft among the most advanced 4.5-generation fighters in the world, enhancing the competitiveness of HAL’s export offer in international tenders.
If the Su-30MKI acquisition is approved, it will be Armenia’s first attempt to acquire a high-end aircraft since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Additionally, it would introduce a new aspect to regional deterrence and change the traditional equilibrium in the Caucasus. Armenia would gain some defence autonomy since it would no longer be solely dependent on Russian supply routes if India supplied both radar systems and strike materials.
Pakistan’s growing influence in the Caucasus is also gently restrained by India’s growing involvement as a defence partner.
Beyond bilateral trade, the geostrategic implications indicate India’s willingness to push its technological and manufacturing skills westward under the banner of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and the larger goal of an independent defence ecosystem.
Armenia would join Egypt and Malaysia as prospective future customers in India’s aerospace export effort, both of which are assessing Su-30 and similar derivative platforms. If completed, the agreement will strengthen HAL’s position as a full-spectrum military exporter, able to supply cutting-edge jets, radar systems, and domestic missiles all under one roof.
The deal is more than just a business victory for New Delhi. It is an example of how strategic intent, industrial maturity, and geopolitical signalling come together to transform India from a defence importer into a powerful supplier influencing regional balance in one of the most unstable regions of Eurasia.
