Indian Defence Exports

Will Russia Lose… the Armenian Air Force?

Published on October 28, 2024
By Arnaud
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Photo © Armenian Ministry of Defense

Is the Russian aeronautics industry starting to pay for its recurring shortcomings? At the end of October 2024, the Armenian Ministry of Defense announced that it had begun negotiations with the Indian aircraft manufacturer HAL in order to acquire a batch of locally produced Su-30MKI Flanker-H fighters as well as dedicated weapons. In doing so, it intends to cancel the order for eight additional Su-30SM Flanker-Cs that has been dragging on… for 5 years. This would be the first contract since India chose to export its own Su-30MKIs.

Currently, the Armenian fighter fleet consists of four Sukhoi Su-30SM Flanker-Cs received new in the spring of 2019 and around fifteen much older Su-25K Frogfoots. However, a few weeks after receiving its fighters, Armenia chose to order eight additional Su-30SMs. Although they have been partially paid for, at 70% of the contract, no aircraft have been delivered since. For one simple reason: Sukhoi has not produced any of them and the only Su-30s to date that have left its factories have been for the needs of Russia itself.

Five years later it seems that the patience of the Armenians has run out. Russia could well lose a customer but also an ally. Armenia has started discussions with HAL around the supply of eight to twelve Su-30MKI. In fact, Hindustan Aircraft Limited would take over the eight new aircraft, on condition that Sukhoi reimburses the advance, and would upgrade the four current Su-30SM to the Su-30MKI standard. This would include replacing the original passive electronically scanned array radar with an active Uttam antenna radar.

Known as the " Super 30 " program, the negotiations revolve around a batch of Astra 1 long-range air-to-air missiles, Rudram 1 anti-radar missiles, and SAAW guided bombs. All three are of Indian design and production. The size of the contract that is emerging between the two countries is currently unknown.


La Russie va t-elle perdre... la force aérienne arménienne ? — avionslegendaires.net
Armenia looks to India for Astra missiles, upgrade of its Sukhoi fleet

Four Su30s bought from Russia in 2019 did not take part in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan as they lacked fire power, including guided air-to-surface munitions.

By Snehesh Alex Philip
14 September 2024 01:10 pm IST
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The 'Astra' beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile developed by DRDO | Photo: Commons.

New Delhi: Armenia has reached out to India for possible procurement of Indian missiles including the indigenous beyond visual range Astra air-to-air missile and possible upgrade of their Sukhoi 30s, ThePrint has learnt.

Sources in the defence establishment said that the talks are on and still at a very initial stage.

Armenia is looking to upgrade its air force and is seeking help from India in terms of weaponry and maintainability of their assets, the sources added.

“The Su30s operated by Armenia are different from what we operate. So one will really have to see what all can be done. The talks are just in the initial stage,” a source told ThePrint. “They (Armenians) want to upgrade their Su30s and integrate our weapons.”

The weapons being sought by Armenia also include air-to-surface guided munitions. There was no confirmation on whether Armenia was also seeking the air launched BrahMos missiles.

The sources explained that there are multiple protocols when it comes to exports of missiles and multiple issues have to be tackled first.

Armenia had bought four Su30s from Russia in 2019 but those did not take part in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan as the aircraft lacked fire power including guided air-to-surface munitions.

Interestingly, Azerbaijan has beefed up its Soviet era Su25s with help from Turkey.

Another area that Armenia is looking at is maintaining issues of the Su30s and also training of its pilots, the sources said.

India operates close to about 272 Su 30 MKIs and has managed to locally manufacture some of the components of the aircraft which helps in reducing the dependability on Russia for service and spares.

Incidentally, the four Su30s operated by Armenia are largely known as “white elephants” because of large investment without being of use. On the other hand, Azerbaijan invested in drones and loitering munitions, which were able to take out multiple air defence assets of Armenia and also pulverise its armoured columns.

Since the conflict, Armenia has become a big defence export destination for India and has, in the past, bought several systems, including artillery guns besides certain kinds of missiles, mortars, radars, small arms and sight systems.

(Edited by Tony Rai)

Armenia looks to India for Astra missiles, upgrade of its Sukhoi fleet


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1st consignment of Sukhoi-30 brake parachutes leaves for Malaysia from unit in UP’s Hazratpur

Consignment of Sukhoi-30 brake parachutes was flagged off at Ordnance Equipment Factory Hazratpur by OEFH gen manager Amit Singh who termed it proof of India’s self-reliance in defence sector.

By Amir Qureshi
11 June, 2025 10:54 pm IST
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Brake parachute assists with landing deceleration of the fighter jet | ANI

Firozabad:
The first consignment of Sukhoi-30 fighter jet brake parachutes manufactured at the Ordnance Equipment Factory Hazratpur (OEFH) here has been dispatched to Malaysia. In a simple ceremony Tuesday, OEFH general manager Amit Singh flagged off a truck loaded with the parachute brake systems for Malaysia. Deputy general manager H.L. Kumawat, joint general manager S.K. Meena and other officers were also present.

Singh said the consignment includes 10 pairs of brake parachutes which have been especially designed for Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft. He said this achievement is not just a business deal, but a proof of India’s technical proficiency and self-reliance.

Kumawat said the Hazratpur unit, near Tundla town of Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad district, is working to constantly develop modern products through research and innovation keeping in mind the needs of the defence sector.

He said work is also being done at the factory on drone technology and indigenous drones are being prepared for various usages. These drones have proved to be effective not only in surveillance and tactical operations but also in civilian tasks, he said.

Meena said the arrester barrier system (which helps in stopping high-speed aircraft on the runway) and multi-spectral camouflage net (MSCN) being manufactured here are also inviting interest in the international market.

He said many countries have ordered samples for testing at the initial stage, and export orders for these products are expected. This will bolster India’s defence export and the strength of ‘Make in India’ will be known in the global defence market, he said.

Meena said exports from here will create new opportunities for employment, technical training, and industrial development for the local youth. The start of defence sector exports from a small town like Hazratpur is proof India’s prowess is no longer limited to metros, but it can also lead on the global stage from villages and towns, he said.

This initiative realizes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Local for Global’ where local products are gaining recognition worldwide, he added.

(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)

1st consignment of Sukhoi-30 brake parachutes leaves for Malaysia from unit in UP’s Hazratpur
 
Paras Defence's subsidiary receives €2.2M LoI from Cerbair for 30 CHIMERA 200 anti-drone units.

India's Paras Defence to Supply High-End Counter UAS Technology to France's CERBAIR

CERBAIR, a leading European counter-UAV company, is intending to acquire up to 30 CHIMERA 200 systems (an advanced man portable radio frequency detection and neutralisation device) designed as primary defence against drone and swarm drone threats.

The deal worth approximately ₹22 crore (€2.2 million) by Paras, strengthens "India's position as an emerging and reliable exporter of sophisticated defence technologies".
 

2000 guns over the next 3 years. A sizable order. All of these will probably end up in Ukraine one way or another.

The gun if probably the ARDE modified version of the license produced FN MAG. Specs aren't that different from the original FN MAG but it is lighter by 2.5 kgs:
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Some pics of the gun taken during its prototype testing phase:
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Seems export of LMGs to Europe has begun:


The guns have been modified as per customer demand. It now has a Magpul MOE adjustable buttstock:

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Google translated:

The Indian company Ashok Leyland will supply a hundred troop transport trucks to the FARDC, including HMV 12×12 and HMV 8×8 models

July 1, 2025
By Coco Kabwika
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The DRC has reportedly awarded contracts to 13 Indian companies, such as Ashok Leyland, Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), Tata Advanced Systems, Goa Shipyard, Adani Defense & Aerospace and Armored Vehicles and others for trucks and anti-drone systems. Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) is also reportedly studying the possibility of supplying armored vehicles to the DRC.

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Ashok Leyland has won a contract from the Congolese authorities for the supply of around 100 transport trucks, including HMV 12×12 and HMV 8×8 models. These vehicles should help improve the mobility of troops on the eastern front in the face of the M23 coalition and the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF), according to Africa Intelligence. This contract demonstrates the strengthening of relations between the Indian defence industry and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It should be noted that the DRC, in search of modernizing its army, is turning to India while Chinese weapons are proliferating on the fronts in the east of the country.

La société Indienne Ashok Leyland va fournir une centaine de camions de transport des troupes aux FARDC dont des modèles HMV 12x12 et HMV 8x8 - Congovirtuel
 
NIBE Limited Secures Landmark Export Order for Ship-Mounted UniversalRocket Launching System from Israel
Pune, India – August 8, 2025 – NIBE Limited proudly announces that it has secured a prestigious export order from Elbit Systems, for the manufacturing and supply of Ship-Mounted Universal RocketLaunching System. The system is equipped with extra missiles, delivering precise, long-range capability.

This naval rocket and missile launcher system is designed to address battle space challenges that require effective maritime fire support solutions and extended modern naval capabilities. The order marks a major endorsement of NIBE Limited’s engineering excellence, indigenous manufacturing capability, and its growing role in strengthening India’s position in the global defence manufacturing ecosystem. The order with Elbit Systems underscores mutual trust, technological constructive collaboration, and a shared commitment to advancing maritime defence capabilities.

The Ship-Mounted Universal Rocket Launching System represents a breakthrough in modern maritime combat capability — a long-range, autonomous sea-to-shore weapon system designed to redefine the limits of naval power. Engineered for cost-effectiveness, ease of operation, and minimal maintenance, the system delivers unmatched reliability and performance in critical missions. Its ability to extend impact zones beyond traditional naval limitations empowers naval forces with superior strike range and tactical flexibility.

This system significantly enhances naval value in joint operations, enabling seamless integration withair and land forces. It also boosts naval independence, reducing reliance on allied systems duringmission-critical scenarios. Most importantly, it acts as a force multiplier by enhancing the firepower abilities of ground forces, delivering precision firepower and support from the sea with speed and efficiency.

This development also aligns with the Government of India’s vision of ‘Make in India, Make for theWorld.’ reinforcing NIBE Limited’s mission to deliver precise manufacturing solutions from Indian soil to trusted allies worldwide.