Armenia Acquires TRAJAN 155mm Howitzers from Indo-French Consortium

Armenia has taken a significant step in modernizing its military by acquiring the TRAJAN 155mm towed artillery gun system. This advanced weapon is a collaborative effort between India's Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and France's Nexter Systems, showcasing a blend of cutting-edge Indo-French technology. The decision underscores Armenia's commitment to enhancing its artillery capabilities in the face of evolving security challenges.

The TRAJAN Howitzer: Cutting-Edge Artillery

The TRAJAN is a 155mm/52-calibre towed gun system, designed for exceptional mobility, accuracy, and rapid deployment. It is built to fire NATO-standard projectiles, including advanced "smart" munitions, giving it a tactical edge in modern warfare. The gun system weighs approximately 13 tons, making it transportable via military transport aircraft like the Airbus A400M, Boeing C-17, and Ilyushin IL-76, ensuring rapid deployment across diverse terrains.

Key specifications of the TRAJAN include:

• Firing Range: Up to 42 km using extended-range projectiles.
• Rate of Fire: Sustains up to 45 rounds in 30 minutes.
• Crew: Operated by a team of six.
• Setup Time: Ready to fire within 1.5 minutes.
• Mobility: Capable of speeds up to 80 km/h on roads and 30 km/h off-road.

The system is equipped with advanced features such as a ballistic computer, muzzle velocity radar, and an inertial guidance system provided by France's iXblue. These technologies ensure high-precision targeting and autonomous firing capabilities, making the TRAJAN a formidable addition to any military arsenal.

Indo-French Collaboration: Strengthening Defence Ties

The TRAJAN is a result of the partnership between Nexter Systems and L&T, which was formed under India's 155mm Towed Gun Artillery program. While Nexter provides the core design and expertise, L&T manufactures critical subsystems, ensuring seamless integration and localized production. This collaboration highlights India's growing role in global defence manufacturing and technology transfers.

Armenia's Defence Modernization: Beyond the TRAJAN

The acquisition of the TRAJAN is part of a broader effort by Armenia to modernize its defence forces. Alongside the howitzer, Armenia is also set to receive other advanced systems from India, including:

• Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers:
  Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Pinaka system can launch multiple rockets within a short timeframe. Enhanced variants have a range of up to 90 km, making them highly effective for neutralizing enemy positions during conflicts.

• Akash Surface-to-Air Missile Systems:
  The Akash system is designed to counter a range of aerial threats, including fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles. Its variants offer operational ranges from 40 km to over 90 km, providing Armenia with a robust air defence capability.

Strategic Implications

Armenia's acquisition of these systems marks a significant enhancement of its military capabilities, enabling it to respond more effectively to regional threats. The TRAJAN's advanced technology, combined with the Pinaka and Akash systems, reflects Armenia's strategic intent to build a well-rounded and modern defence infrastructure. Deliveries of these systems are expected to begin soon, providing Armenia with a crucial boost in its operational readiness.

This landmark defence collaboration also reinforces India's position as a reliable partner in international defence exports, while strengthening ties with Armenia. By integrating cutting-edge technology from France and India, Armenia is positioning itself as a more capable and modernized military force in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.