India’s defence industry is increasingly making its presence felt beyond the country’s borders, with Armenia becoming a notable partner in New Delhi’s expanding defence-export journey.

What began as a strategic defence relationship has grown into a broader showcase for India’s indigenous military capabilities. Armenia has placed orders for several Indian-made systems, including Pinaka rocket systems, ATAGS artillery guns, MArG howitzers and Swathi weapon-locating radars. Its acquisition of the Akash air-defence system has further strengthened the partnership.

The growing India-Armenia cooperation comes as India seeks to establish itself as a dependable supplier of advanced and cost-effective defence technology to international markets.

India’s transformation is significant. For decades, the country was among the world’s major defence importers. Today, Indian manufacturers are increasingly competing for international contracts and exporting a wider range of domestically developed platforms, weapons and electronic systems.

The Armenia partnership is therefore more than a bilateral defence deal. It reflects the growing confidence in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and the country’s ambition to become a major player in the global defence market.

With Indian systems finding customers overseas, “Made in India” is steadily becoming a stronger presence in global defence procurement. 

The numbers underline this transformation. In a press release from the Ministry of Defence, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India’s defence exports have risen from just ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to a record ₹38,424 crore in 2025-26, with Indian defence products now reaching more than 100 countries. After crossing the ₹30,000-crore export target last year, India has set a new target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029 – reflecting the expanding international demand for Indian defence products and the country’s growing role in the global defence market.