India is shifting swiftly to seal a multibillion-dollar defence settlement with Armenia for the export of Su-30MKI fighter jets, in what officers and analysts see as New Delhi’s most assertive counter to Pakistan’s increasing navy cooperation with Azerbaijan. The event comes weeks after Islamabad confirmed the sale of 40 JF-17C Block-III fighters to Baku, deepening the navy axis between the 2 nations. Nonetheless, there is no such thing as a official affirmation to this point.
Based on reviews, the Su-30MKI deal—estimated at $2.5–3 billion—is now in its last phases. If concluded, it could mark Armenia’s largest navy procurement in historical past, underscoring its try and slender the widening energy hole with Azerbaijan following the latter’s decisive victories within the 2020 and 2023 Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts.
A Strategic Shift
Armenia has more and more turned to India for defence provides after going through battlefield setbacks and expressing frustration with what it views as insufficient help from conventional ally Russia. Since 2022, Yerevan has bought Indian Pinaka rocket methods, Swathi weapon-locating radars, 155mm artillery, and anti-tank munitions. The proposed Su-30MKI buy considerably elevates the partnership, signalling Armenia’s intent to rebuild its air energy from scratch.
Deliveries of the plane are anticipated to start in 2027, with Hindustan Aeronautics Restricted (HAL) getting ready to supply a extremely personalized export variant. The jets are projected to function Uttam AESA radar, Astra beyond-visual-range missiles, and state-of-the-art digital warfare suites—capabilities designed to counter Azerbaijan’s newly acquired JF-17s, if reviews are to be believed.
Su-30MKI: Fight-Confirmed Platform
The Su-30MKI, inducted into the Indian Air Pressure in 2002, stays India’s most potent air-superiority fighter. Recognized for its lengthy vary, heavy payload capability, and thrust-vectoring maneuverability, the plane can deploy an array of superior weapons, together with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
Since 2023, India has been implementing the “Tremendous Sukhoi” modernization program, masking greater than 150 plane. The upgrades embrace digital avionics, improved radar warning receivers, enhanced digital warfare methods, and compatibility with Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3 air-to-air missiles. These developments have made the Su-30MKI more and more engaging for export.
Increasing India’s Defence Footprint
Ought to the deal be finalized, Armenia would be a part of Egypt and Malaysia as nations evaluating the Su-30 platform for future purchases. For India, the settlement wouldn’t solely counter Pakistan’s affect within the Caucasus but additionally mark a big milestone in its rise as a worldwide defence exporter beneath the framework of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. Negotiations are anticipated to conclude quickly, probably reshaping the navy steadiness within the South Caucasus—and signalling a brand new chapter in India’s assertive defence diplomacy.