France to Supply Armenia with Defensive Weapons

24 Oct, 2023

France to Supply Armenia with Defensive Weapons

On Monday, France officially declared the sale of defensive equipment to Armenia, coinciding with Azerbaijan's initiation of military exercises in partnership with Turkey. This transaction follows the recent territorial seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan from Armenian separatists, sparking concerns in Yerevan about the potential targeting of southern Armenia.

French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, addressing the media, disclosed that Armenia would be procuring three Ground Master 200 (GM200) radar systems from the French defense conglomerate Thales, although specific financial details were not disclosed. These radar systems, already in use in Ukraine, are renowned for their exceptional detection capabilities, as emphasized by Lecornu during a press conference held alongside Armenian Defence Minister Suren Papikyan.

The two ministers also formalized a letter of intent regarding Armenia's acquisition of air defense systems, which would involve collaboration between Thales and the European missile manufacturer MBDA, as confirmed by a spokesperson for Lecornu. Lecornu elaborated that the letter of intent encompasses the acquisition of a "Mistral-type" system, indicating a short-range air defense missile system. He emphasized that detection only becomes meaningful when accompanied by modules for intervention and interception to counter aerial threats, stating, "It is the Armenian ministry which is purchasing these weapons and which will be subject to export licenses," while underscoring the defensive nature of the weaponry. He further explained that such weapon systems are designed for deployment in response to aggression on Armenian territory, often in situations involving civilian populations.

Additionally, Armenia concluded a contract to acquire night-vision goggles from the French company Safran, as conveyed by the defense ministry's spokesperson.

The Armenian defense ministry issued a statement highlighting discussions on defense matters between the ministers, culminating in the signing of documents related to "bilateral cooperation."

In early October, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna announced France's commitment to delivering military equipment to the South Caucasus nation during her visit to Armenia. Following this announcement, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev declined a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Spain, and Azerbaijan criticized what it perceived as France's policy of "militarization" in the South Caucasus. France, which hosts a substantial Armenian diaspora, has played a mediating role in the longstanding territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Earlier on Monday, Azerbaijan announced the commencement of joint military exercises with its ally Turkey near the border with Armenia.