Armenian pivot: Yerevan arms Ukraine in strategic shift from Moscow
Former ally of the Russian Federation, Armenia, is turning away from the Kremlin, reports "Defense Romania". According to reports, Yerevan is sending artillery and tank ammunition to Ukraine, as well as a range of Soviet-era air defence systems. In exchange, Armenia is to receive modern equipment from the West.
Yerevan was said to have signed an agreement with the European Commission in the last days of August 2024, related to the supply of ammunition and air threat countermeasures to Ukraine. The contract is valued at €210 million (approximately CAD 315 million). *Defense Romania* notes that Armenia is already in the process of transferring weapons through ports in Georgia.
Russia's ally changing sides?
According to analysts, the decision to change sides and turn away from the Russian Federation may stem from Russian inaction towards Armenians during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Russians have long been Armenia's allies, but recent tightening relations with Azerbaijan have made Yerevan look towards the West.
What exactly can Yerevan hand over to Ukraine? Although Armenia is a relatively small country, it has a considerable arsenal—mainly from the post-Soviet era. This, however, works in Ukraine's favour, as they have been dealing with such machines for years and know perfectly well how to use them. Defense Romania lists that supplies to Kyiv primarily include S-300, 9K37 Buk, 9K33 Tor, and 9K33 Osa systems. It is also possible that Yerevan is supporting Ukraine with short-range ballistic missiles OTR-21 with cluster warheads.
Getting rid of Soviet-era equipment by Armenia does not mean the country will be left without important weapons. In exchange for supporting Ukraine, Yerevan is to receive modern weapons from France, including Mistral portable air defence systems and Caesar self-propelled howitzers.
Equipment that Armenia can hand over to Ukraine
Air defence systems such as the S-300, 9K37 Buk, 9K33 Tor, and 9K33 Osa are key elements in many countries' military arsenals. The S-300 system is one of the world's most well-known air defence systems. It was developed for the Soviet Union in 1978 and has undergone numerous modifications. Its main advantage is the ability to combat long-range targets, even up to 150 kilometres (93 miles). The S-300 can intercept both aircraft and ballistic missiles.
On the other hand, the 9K37 Buk, also known as the SA-11 Gadfly system, is a mobile air defence system designed in the late 1970s. It allows for the interception of aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles. Its advanced Soviet missiles guarantee high effectiveness.
The 9K33 Tor system, often called the SA-15 Gauntlet, is intended for short- and medium-range air defence. It is effective in intercepting various targets, including drones and precision-guided missiles. Its range reaches 12 kilometres (7 miles), and a single missile weighs approximately 170 kilograms (375 pounds).
Meanwhile, the 9K33 Osa SA-8 Gecko system is the first fully autonomous mobile surface-to-air missile system. Designed in the 1960s, this system is still used and modernized by many countries due to its effectiveness. Missiles fired by this weapon destroy threats at a distance of up to 15 kilometres (9 miles) from the launcher.
