SOURCE: AFI
In a significant step toward deepening military cooperation, India and Armenia have initiated discussions on conducting joint training for their Special Forces. This move comes alongside Armenia’s plans to procure loitering munitions from India to equip its elite Spetsnaz detachments, signaling a strengthening partnership between the two nations. The collaboration is poised to enhance Armenia’s military capabilities, particularly in mountainous warfare, while fostering a strategic counterbalance to regional geopolitical alignments, notably the Azerbaijani-Turkish-Pakistani axis.
As part of the proposed training initiative, Armenia’s Spetsnaz detachments and mountain servicemen could be deployed to India’s High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Jammu & Kashmir. Nestled in the rugged Himalayas, HAWS is renowned for its rigorous mountain warfare training programs, making it an ideal venue for Armenian forces to hone their skills in terrain similar to their homeland’s treacherous mountains.
These skills are directly applicable to Armenia’s mountainous regions, where its forces frequently face operational challenges akin to those in Jammu & Kashmir. Training at HAWS would not only bolster the Armenian Spetsnaz’s combat readiness but also foster interoperability with Indian Special Forces, such as the Para SF and Garud Commandos, who regularly train in similar environments.
Complementing the training initiative, Armenia is exploring the acquisition of Indian-made loitering munitions for its Special Forces. Often dubbed “kamikaze drones,” these precision-guided weapons loiter over a target area before striking with lethal accuracy, offering a cost-effective and versatile option for modern warfare. India, with its growing defense industry, has developed systems like the DRDO’s loitering munitions and private-sector offerings, which could meet Armenia’s needs for agile, high-impact weaponry.
This procurement aligns with Armenia’s efforts to modernize its military amid rising regional tensions, particularly with Azerbaijan. The addition of loitering munitions would enhance the Spetsnaz’s ability to conduct rapid, precise strikes in mountainous terrain, where traditional artillery or air support may be less effective.
The India-Armenia military collaboration carries broader geopolitical implications, particularly as a counterweight to the growing alignment between Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan. This trio has deepened its military ties in recent years, with Turkey playing a pivotal role in enhancing Azerbaijan’s capabilities, including the creation of its Komando Special Forces. Joint training exercises among Pakistani, Turkish, and Azerbaijani Special Forces have further solidified this axis, raising concerns for Armenia and its allies.
India, too, has strategic stakes in this equation. Its rivalry with Pakistan and apprehensions about Turkey’s expanding influence in South Asia and the Caucasus make Armenia a natural partner. By training Armenian Spetsnaz and supplying advanced munitions, India can help bolster Armenia’s defenses against Azerbaijan, indirectly challenging the cohesion of the Azerbaijani-Turkish-Pakistani bloc. This partnership could serve as a tangible deterrent, signaling that Armenia is not isolated in its security challenges.
The discussions on Special Forces training and arms sales build on an already blossoming India-Armenia relationship. In recent years, Armenia has emerged as a key importer of Indian defense equipment, including Pinaka rocket systems, Akash air defense missiles, and artillery systems. The proposed joint training initiative takes this cooperation to a new level, emphasizing not just hardware but also the exchange of expertise and operational synergy.
For Armenia, this collaboration offers a chance to diversify its military alliances beyond its traditional reliance on Russia, which has been strained by delays in arms deliveries and shifting regional priorities. For India, it provides an opportunity to expand its defense footprint in the South Caucasus, a region of increasing strategic importance.
The HAWS curriculum offers a comprehensive 11-week elite training regimen, potentially structured as a seven-week core course followed by a four-week advanced module. This program is tailored to equip soldiers with the expertise needed to operate effectively in high-altitude, hostile environments. Key components include:
- Acclimatization: Gradual adaptation to high-altitude conditions to ensure physical readiness for mountain operations.
- Technical Training: Mastery of specialized equipment and tactics suited for rugged landscapes.
- Mountain Survival: Techniques for enduring extreme weather, limited resources, and isolation.
- Rappelling Training: Skills for descending steep cliffs and rocky faces with precision and safety.
- Terrain Ascension Training: Methods for scaling challenging slopes and peaks under combat conditions.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.