SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development for defense cooperation between Armenia and India, talks have commenced for the potential integration of India’s indigenous Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) into the Armenian Air Force’s fleet of four Su-30SM multirole fighters. According to a report by the Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org), this move would see the Astra Mk1, with a range of 110 km, replace the Russian-made R-77 BVRAAM, which has a maximum range of 80 km, enhancing the Armenian Air Force’s air combat capabilities.
The discussions also hint at Armenia’s interest in the yet-to-be-produced Astra MkII, though it remains unclear whether Armenia will opt for both variants or settle for one, given the MkII’s production is slated to begin next year.
The Astra Mk1, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a state-of-the-art BVRAAM featuring active radar homing, a smokeless propulsion system, and the ability to engage targets at ranges exceeding 100 km. Its integration into the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su-30MKI fleet has been facilitated by the Indo-Russian Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC), which allows seamless incorporation of Indian-made weapon systems. The IAF has frequently used its Su-30MKI fleet as a testbed for indigenous airborne weapons, including the Astra series, BrahMos-A, and other precision-guided munitions. However, integrating the Astra family into Armenia’s Su-30SM jets poses a technical challenge, as it would require replacing the existing Russian DFCC with the Indo-Russian DFCC, a modification that would incur additional costs for Armenia.
Armenia’s small fleet of four Su-30SM fighters, acquired from Russia in 2020, forms the backbone of its air defense capabilities. The proposed upgrade to the Astra Mk1 would provide a significant leap in performance over the R-77, offering greater range, improved accuracy, and enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures. The Astra MkII, still in development, promises even greater range (up to 160 km) and advanced features, making it an attractive option for future upgrades. However, with the MkII’s production timeline uncertain, Armenia may prioritize the combat-proven Mk1 to bolster its air-to-air capabilities in the near term.
The potential deal marks a deepening of defense ties between India and Armenia, with India emerging as a reliable supplier of advanced weaponry. If finalized in the coming months, Armenia would become the second operator of the Astra BVRAAM after the IAF, signaling confidence in India’s indigenous defense technology. The additional cost of upgrading the Su-30SM’s DFCC remains a key factor for Armenia, which must weigh the financial implications against the strategic advantage of enhanced air combat capabilities in a volatile region.
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