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Armenia , Iran ,India ,Russia   

In recent discourse, there have been indications suggesting Iran's involvement in obstructing the shipment of Indian howitzers to Armenia, with speculation emerging about Russia's potential influence in this matter. Gayane Abrahamyan, a former lawmaker, has raised concerns regarding Russia's pressure on Iran to impede the delivery. While these claims have garnered attention from various quarters, they remain unverified.

Iran's ambassador to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, refrained from offering a direct statement when questioned about the issue in February 2024. Instead, Sobhani emphasized Iran's commitment to supporting Armenia's military strength while underscoring the importance of regional stability. However, his comments did not directly address the reported obstruction of the Indian shipment, leaving room for interpretation.

Analyst Tatul Hakobyan added complexity to the situation by asserting that a Russian company initially agreed to supply Pinaka launch vehicles, possibly part of the Indian shipment, but later withdrew. Allegations suggest that Iran subsequently stepped in. Despite these intricate circumstances, reports indicate India's determination to fulfill its arms agreement with Armenia, with ongoing deliveries being observed.

Against this backdrop, Armenia's military modernization efforts come into focus, particularly in its artillery divisions. The 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict highlighted the vulnerability of Armenia's aging Soviet-era artillery, with estimates suggesting significant losses. To address this, Armenia plans to replace outdated assets partially with Indian-made howitzers, notably the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and the Multi-terrain Artillery Gun (MArG) 155mm / 39 cal – BR.

Traditionally reliant on Soviet and Russian-made artillery, Armenia's shift towards modernization reflects a strategic necessity. The ATAGS, developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), offers advanced capabilities suitable for contemporary warfare scenarios. Its automated features, advanced targeting systems, and extended firing range make it a valuable addition to Armenia's arsenal.

Similarly, the MArG, designed for swift deployment in challenging terrains, holds significance for Armenia's mountainous landscapes. Its mobility, coupled with advanced fire control systems, enhances Armenia's capabilities in mountain warfare scenarios. Armenia's investment in these Indian-made artillery systems signifies a leap in its military modernization efforts, promising enhanced firepower and maneuverability.

In conclusion, the reported obstruction of the Indian howitzers shipment to Armenia, allegedly involving Iran under potential Russian influence, underscores the geopolitical complexities surrounding Armenia's military modernization. Despite these challenges, Armenia's adoption of advanced Indian artillery systems signals a strategic shift towards bolstering its defense capabilities, aligning with its evolving security needs.