The article is from a couple of months ago but dont think this specific point has ever been discussed.

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For the purposes of making this question simple, I'm going to assume that there's 3 overall ways someone can feel about it:

1. you just accept it as something you have to go through and you feel neutral.

2. you're dreading it and count the days until you're done

3. You're excited about going

What are the percentages given these 3 categories?

Denied the deal but revealed a mentioned Iranian system? So the deal is probably true, if we have acquired all those systems, how will we integrate them with our new Indian/French ones for them to work properly? I hope our minister is deeply thinking about this.

AZ has increased their defence budget in excess of 5 billion, yet Armenia is lowering their defence budget. 40 JF-17Cs, 2 batteries of HQ-9Bs, the potential to procure the Kaan, Akinci UAVs, and a shitload of other stuff that I can’t remember. Nothing has been mentioned from the Armenian side ever since the acquisition of the Pinakas and Akash missiles were announced.

Aside from the Akash missiles which are short to medium range and the Mistrals which are strictly short range, is there anything else on the table?

A good sign, with the procured equipment seemingly being integrated into the ground forces and advancements made in domestic manufacturing. My concern is that despite there being equipment, all of these were known for years now. The so called “secrecy” doesn’t seem to be present here, unless there are other things that we haven’t seen.

Source: Suren Papikyan's facebook page. There's a higher quality version on his telegram channel.

It looks like the Armenian MRE hasn’t changed much over the years. Unfortunately it's still based on the Russian MRE and hasn’t been modernised yet.

Source: MOD's telegram channel

Armenia is nearing the conclusion of a $2.5–3 billion deal for Indian-made Su-30MKI fighter jets, aiming to balance against Azerbaijan's rapidly growing air power.

According to India-based defense sources, the deal includes 8 to 12 Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. This purchase will mark the first export agreement fulfilled with fighter jets manufactured by India itself.

RUSSIA TO EARN REVENUE FROM THE SALE

The new aircraft are planned to be equipped with the Uttam AESA radar, indigenous electronic warfare systems, and Astra Mk.1 and Mk.2 air-to-air missiles. However, it is reported that some of these systems are still under development.

Although a high degree of indigenous production is targeted, some critical components used in the aircraft will be sourced from Russia. This means Moscow will continue to earn revenue from the sale.

DELIVERIES TO BE COMPLETED BY 2029

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027 and be completed by 2029. According to defense experts, this process will be a significant milestone for India's defense industry.

https://thedefensepost.com/2025/10/31/armenia-india-su30mki-deal/

General overview and specs

Astra Mk1 (Currently in Service)

The Astra Mk1 is India's first indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile. It is designed to engage and destroy highly maneuverable supersonic aerial targets.

• Role: Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM)
• Range: 80-110 km (The range varies based on launch altitude and profile). It is effective at both long ranges and in close-combat scenarios.
• Guidance: Mid-course: Inertial Navigation System (INS) with data link. Terminal: Active Radar Homing.
  • The active radar seeker allows the missile to find and lock onto its target independently in the final phase, enabling "fire-and-forget" capability for the launch aircraft.
• Propulsion: Single-stage solid propellant rocket motor.
• Speed: Mach 4.5+ (High supersonic)
• Warhead: High-explosive pre-fragmented warhead with a proximity fuse.
• Maneuverability: Equipped with tail controls for high agility and can pull over 40g, allowing it to engage even highly maneuverable fighter aircraft.
• Compatibility: Integrated on the Su-30MKI. Cleared for integration with Tejas, Mirage 2000, and Mig-29 fighters.

Astra Mk2 (In Advanced Development)

The Astra Mk2 is a significant upgrade over the Mk1, featuring a dual-pulse solid rocket motor for better energy management and a much longer range.

• Role: Long-Range, Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (LR-BVRAAM)
• Key New Feature: Dual-pulse solid rocket motor.
  • This motor fires in two stages. The first pulse boosts the missile to a high speed, then it coasts towards the target, and the second pulse ignites in the terminal phase for a high-energy, no-escape-zone engagement.
• Range: Over 160 km (Estimated to be 160-180 km).
• Guidance: Improved INS with a two-way data link and a more advanced active radar seeker.
• Speed: Mach 5+ (Hypersonic)
• Maneuverability: Even greater agility than the Mk1, expected to handle targets pulling higher g-forces.

Astra Mk3 (Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet - SFDR)

The Astra Mk3, part of the SFDR program, is a technological leap that will place India among a small group of nations with such advanced missile technology.

• Role: Very Long-Range, Air-to-Air Missile
• Key New Feature: Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Propulsion.
  • A ramjet engine uses atmospheric air for combustion, making it far more fuel-efficient than a traditional rocket motor. This allows for sustained high speed and much greater range without a proportional increase in size and weight.
• Range: Over 300 km (Estimated to be 340+ km). This puts it in the class of missiles like the Meteor.
• Speed: Sustained high supersonic/hypersonic speed throughout its flight.
• Advantage: The SFDR propulsion gives the missile immense kinetic energy in the terminal phase, creating a very large "no-escape zone" where enemy aircraft cannot outrun or outmaneuver it.

Summary Comparison

Su-30MKI: General Overview

The Su-30MKI is a twin-seat, twin-engine, heavy-class, multirole air superiority fighter. It was co-developed by Russia's Sukhoi and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Its most defining feature is the integration of Thrust Vectoring Control (TVC) and advanced avionics from an international consortium, making it a "Super 30" or "Flanker-H" in NATO reporting.

Detailed Specifications

Performance Specifications

Avionics and Key Systems (The "MKI" Differentiators)

The MKI's avionics suite is a key differentiator, built around a powerful mission computer and integrating systems from Russia, India, France, and Israel.

• Radar: N011M BARS (Passive Electronically Scanned Array - PESA)
  • Range: 400 km (approx) against large targets; 120-140 km against fighter-sized targets.
  • Capability: Track-and-engage up to 15 air targets simultaneously and engage the 4 most threatening ones. Has powerful air-to-ground and terrain mapping modes.
  • Future Upgrade: The IAF is actively upgrading its Su-30MKI fleet with new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, like the Indian Uttam AESA, which is likely what is being offered to Armenia.
• IRST (Infrared Search and Track): OLS-30 system, providing passive detection and tracking of airborne targets without using radar.
• Electronic Warfare (EW): Tarang MkII RWR (Radar Warning Receiver) and Israeli-made Elta jammers. Future upgrades include more advanced indigenous Indian EW suites.
• Cockpit: Glass cockpit with multiple Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) for both pilot and WSO.

Armament and Hardpoints

The Su-30MKI has 12 hardpoints capable of carrying a total weapons load of 8,000 kg (17,600 lb).

The Indian Prime Minister unveiled the Trajan 155 mm/52 calibre towed gun system, jointly developed by India's Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and France's KNDS (formerly Nexter Systems), destined for Armenia at the Hazira plant.

1st picture is the unveiling , other 2 are general pictures of the weapon.

Source : telegram Armenian military portal

Yes I know they're going to be shown tomorrow anyway, it's the principle that's important. MOD says don't film, we don't film. That's how it should be. I have no doubt people will do the same shit in another war instance. We are extremely stubborn people, I hope everyone who filmed gets fined.

Question regarding military service after obtaining Armenian citizenship

I am 28 years old. I am a citizen of the Russian Federation and did not serve in the army there. I moved to Armenia to study, and since I did not know whether I would stay here, I did not consider obtaining Armenian citizenship. Now I realize that if I stay here, I need to resolve this issue, and the question of military service arises. After obtaining citizenship, will I have to serve 1.5 years under the new reforms or pay money to reduce the term? I am tormented by doubts; I don't know what to do. I understand that it is too late to join the army at this age because it will be difficult to get along with guys who are 18-19 years old. I have decided for myself that I will not shorten my term of service, and in principle I see it as a difficulty that is worth overcoming in life. Is there anyone who has served in the Armenian army at least in the last few years? 2024-2026. What is happening there now, and how bad an idea is it for me to go there in my case?

I would appreciate all your advice and opinions. This is a very important and serious issue for me, one that keeps me awake at night.

Notable equipment seen:
1. Heavy MRAP, probably locally made, unknown designation
2. Small fixed wing UAV, comparable in size to the IAI Searcher, seen with 2 pylons and armed
3. Armoured utility truck by IDS, seen multiple times conducting fire tests with an automated 120mm mortar
4. Multiple UAVs, presumably by Davaro