In a world increasingly defined by shifting geopolitical alliances and security threats, nations are continually reassessing their defense strategies.

In particular, smaller states surrounded by larger, often more militarily powerful neighbors, are seeking to strengthen their defensive capabilities through strategic military partnerships and procurements. One such nation is Armenia, which has recently entered into significant defense agreements with both France and India. These deals, which include the acquisition of French self-propelled artillery systems and Indian Advanced Towed Artillery Guns (ATAGs), highlight the growing importance of international defense cooperation and arms deals in fortifying national security, particularly in volatile regions.

Armenia’s decision to bolster its defense capabilities comes in the wake of ongoing tensions with Azerbaijan, particularly over the contested region of Nagorno-Karabakh. As these geopolitical rivalries continue to evolve, arms deals such as these have become a crucial tool for allied nations to fortify their defenses, assert national sovereignty, and deter potential aggression. But such agreements also present a host of legal, ethical, and strategic concerns that extend beyond military objectives and into the broader arena of international law.

Armenia’s Strategic Arms Deals: A Response to Regional Threats

In recent years, Armenia has found itself at the crossroads of a deepening security dilemma. Situated in the South Caucasus, Armenia shares borders with two regional powers, Azerbaijan and Turkey. Tensions with Azerbaijan, particularly over Nagorno-Karabakh—a region both countries claim—have led to multiple military clashes, most recently in 2020, when the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War broke out. In this context, Armenia has increasingly turned to international allies to help deter further escalation and strengthen its defense infrastructure.

The most recent step in Armenia’s defense strategy has been its arms deals with France and India. In 2021, Armenia signed a significant contract with France for the acquisition of self-propelled artillery systems, notably the Caesar howitzers, a modern, highly mobile artillery platform that provides greater firepower and maneuverability compared to traditional towed artillery. These systems are expected to enhance Armenia’s defensive capabilities, especially in the event of a conflict with Azerbaijan. Additionally, Armenia has entered into a separate contract with India for the supply of Advanced Towed Artillery Guns (ATAGs) and mounted artillery guns, which will further increase its artillery firepower and combat readiness.

This move reflects a broader trend in which smaller states, particularly those in contentious regions, seek to arm themselves with advanced weaponry from trusted allies to protect their sovereignty and bolster their military preparedness. These arms deals are, in essence, a response to the perceived military threats posed by Azerbaijan, which has been heavily investing in its own military capabilities, partly with the support of its ally Turkey.

The Legal Landscape of Arms Deals

While the strategic benefits of military procurement are clear, these arms deals come with complex legal considerations. Arms trade agreements are governed by a combination of domestic regulations, international treaties, and customary law, which aim to ensure that the flow of arms is controlled and that the weapons do not exacerbate conflicts or contribute to human rights violations.

• International Arms Trade Regulations: The international arms trade is largely regulated by the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), a multilateral agreement adopted by the United Nations in 2013. The ATT seeks to regulate the international trade in conventional arms to ensure that these weapons do not contribute to conflicts that violate international law or human rights. Both France and India are signatories to the ATT, which means that their arms sales must comply with its provisions. These include ensuring that the arms being sold are not used for acts of aggression or in violation of international humanitarian law. In Armenia’s case, its procurement of weapons could be scrutinized for potential violations or exacerbation of the ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan, particularly regarding the use of such weaponry in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

• National Sovereignty and Security Interests: Countries have the sovereign right to enter into defense agreements and procure arms to protect their territory. This is enshrined in the UN Charter, which upholds the right of nations to self-defense. Armenia’s purchase of artillery systems from France and India is a manifestation of this right, as the country seeks to safeguard its borders and deter external threats. However, the perception of imbalance in military capabilities could escalate tensions further in the region. Azerbaijan’s military buildup, which includes significant investments in drones and missile technology, could be exacerbated by the introduction of new artillery systems in Armenia, thereby potentially triggering an arms race in the region.

• Humanitarian Considerations: The deployment of advanced artillery systems such as the Caesar howitzers and the ATAGs raises important questions about the humanitarian impact of these weapons, especially in the context of a longstanding and volatile territorial dispute like that of Nagorno-Karabakh. Artillery, while providing strategic military advantages, also carries the risk of indiscriminate damage to civilian infrastructure and loss of life, which can lead to violations of international humanitarian law. The challenge for states like France, India, and Armenia lies in ensuring that these weapons are used in accordance with the principles of proportionality and necessity, and that they do not contribute to civilian casualties or further destabilize the region.

• Regional Stability and Diplomatic Tensions: Arms deals of this nature have a broader impact on regional stability and diplomatic relations. The provision of advanced weaponry to Armenia by France and India is viewed with concern by Azerbaijan, which sees these deals as a direct threat to its security. Similarly, Turkey’s support for Azerbaijan may influence its own defense policies and arms procurement efforts, potentially leading to a destabilizing cycle of military escalation. In this context, international diplomatic efforts are crucial in balancing national security interests with the promotion of peace and stability.

Geopolitical Implications of Armenia’s Military Build-Up

Armenia’s strategic partnerships with France and India not only address immediate military concerns but also reflect broader geopolitical realignments in the region. By strengthening defense ties with France, a member of the European Union and NATO, and India, a rising global power with growing strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, Armenia is diversifying its defense relationships and reducing its reliance on traditional Russian support, which has historically been a cornerstone of its military strategy.

This diversification is important, as it signals a shift in Armenia’s foreign policy and military alignment in the face of changing geopolitical dynamics. As Armenia looks to protect itself from external threats, it is increasingly turning to global powers that offer military technology, strategic support, and diplomatic leverage. The risks, however, are considerable, as the provision of advanced weaponry could provoke a further escalation of tensions in the South Caucasus and complicate Armenia’s relationships with neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Conclusion: A Fine Line Between Defense and Escalation

Armenia’s arms deals with France and India reflect a broader trend in which nations bolster their defense capabilities in response to regional security threats. These agreements, however, are not without legal, ethical, and diplomatic complexities. While international law permits nations to procure arms to protect their sovereignty, the potential for these weapons to fuel conflict or escalate existing tensions remains a significant concern.

The situation in Armenia underscores the delicate balance that nations must strike between strengthening their military deterrence and avoiding actions that may inadvertently destabilize regional peace. As global strategic initiatives continue to shape the defense landscape, the international community must find ways to regulate arms trade, promote diplomatic solutions, and ensure that military procurements serve the broader goal of peace and security, rather than exacerbating conflict. For Armenia, the challenge lies not only in fortifying its defenses but in navigating the complex legal and diplomatic terrain that accompanies these strategic decisions.