Brahmos
New Delhi: During Operation Sindoor, the dogfight between China’s JF-17 Thunder and India’s Su-30MKI became one of the defining moments of the exercise. The Su-30MKI—India’s enhanced version of Russia’s Su-30—demonstrated exceptional performance, backed by the lethal BrahMos missile system. These strikes severely damaged several Pakistan Air Force facilities, including the Rahim Yar Khan base, leaving lasting operational setbacks.
Military observers now believe the Caucasus could become the next theater where both the Su-30MKI and BrahMos are deployed, as regional frictions intensify. BrahMos has already rattled Chinese defense planners in the South China Sea after the Philippines inducted it into its naval arsenal. Armenia is now also evaluating its inclusion in their defense strategy.
BrahMos’ proven combat record is drawing interest from defense forces worldwide. Beyond the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia are in advanced discussions for procurement. Countries such as Armenia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Venezuela have also expressed strong interest. Its lightning-fast strikes during Operation Sindoor, which neutralized Pakistani defenses in minutes, have made it one of the most sought-after missile systems globally.
As reported by the Eurasian Times, Pakistan has finalized a $4.6 billion deal with Azerbaijan to deliver 40 JF-17 Thunder jets—a joint development with China—and will also invest an additional $2 billion in related defense cooperation. Azerbaijan, which initially ordered 16 units, expanded the order amid continued tensions with Armenia. The alliance between Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Turkey stands in contrast to Armenia’s close partnership with India.
Armenia’s air capabilities remain limited, with an estimated 10–15 Su-25 Frogfoot ground-attack aircraft and only four Su-30SM jets purchased from Russia in 2019—delivered without a complete weapons suite. In late 2024, Armenia began negotiations with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to acquire 8–12 Su-30MKI fighters from India. These talks have since gained momentum, as the Indian-built aircraft presents a far more affordable alternative to the French Rafale, which costs around $100 million per plane.
Since the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, India has emerged as Armenia’s most dependable arms supplier. Yerevan has procured Akash-1S air defense systems, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, ATAGS artillery guns, Swathi counter-battery radars, and advanced anti-drone systems from India.
According to SIPRI data, India accounted for 43% of Armenia’s total arms imports between 2022 and 2024. Beyond supplying equipment, New Delhi is also positioned to provide ongoing maintenance and logistical support for high-performance platforms like the Su-30MKI.
India operates the world’s largest fleet of Su-30MKI fighters, produced domestically under license, and customized to carry a wide array of advanced weaponry—most notably the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile. For Armenia, acquiring these jets would not simply mean expanding its air fleet; it would represent a strategic leap in defense capability, deepen military-industrial cooperation with India, and shift the regional balance of power in its favor.
Copyright © 2025 Top Indian News
