The ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict has been marked by regional rivalries and the involvement of external powers, each aligning with one of the sides. As the conflict continues, the potential for the use of foreign-supplied weapons looms large, especially as both Armenia and Azerbaijan have begun to receive military equipment from countries with long-standing geopolitical tensions. One of the most interesting developments in this context is the growing influence of Indo-Pakistani defense exports, with Armenia sourcing weapons from India and Azerbaijan from Pakistan.
India has bolstered its defense ties with Armenia, supplying the country with various weapons systems, including the Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. Armenia’s decision to procure the Akash system reflects India’s growing reputation as a defense exporter, particularly in the realm of missile technology. The Akash system is a medium-range SAM designed to engage aerial threats like aircraft, helicopters, and drones. It uses advanced guidance systems, and with its ability to track multiple targets simultaneously, it is considered one of India’s key indigenous defense products.
On the other side, Azerbaijan’s longstanding defense relationship with Pakistan has seen the procurement of Pakistani-built fighter jets, specifically the JF-17 Thunder. The JF-17, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, has proven itself as a cost-effective multirole fighter capable of engaging in air-to-air combat, ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions. With a focus on maneuverability and versatility, the JF-17 provides Azerbaijan with an important tool in maintaining aerial superiority and conducting precision strikes in the conflict zone.
The next phase of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict could see these Indo-Pakistani weapons systems tested against one another in a way that indirectly mirrors the military competition between India and Pakistan. In a scenario where the Akash SAM system is deployed against the JF-17 fighter jets, the world could witness a high-stakes confrontation between two weapons platforms that are emblematic of the defense capabilities of both nations.
The Akash system, known for its effectiveness in targeting low- and medium-altitude threats, could challenge the JF-17’s abilities, especially if Azerbaijan uses the aircraft for reconnaissance or airstrikes. While the JF-17 is equipped with modern avionics and weaponry that make it a formidable adversary, its effectiveness against a well-coordinated air defense system like Akash remains uncertain. The outcome of such encounters could not only impact the tactical situation on the ground in the Caucasus but also provide insight into the performance of these systems in real-world combat scenarios.
Furthermore, the conflict’s evolution could influence the global perception of both Indian and Pakistani defense exports. Success or failure in the field could bolster or hinder future arms sales, particularly as both countries are looking to expand their defense markets. For India, the effectiveness of the Akash system could be a powerful selling point as it seeks to establish itself as a major player in the global defense industry. Pakistan, meanwhile, would be eager to demonstrate the JF-17’s capabilities as it competes for customers in markets such as Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
The intersection of regional conflicts and global defense competition adds another layer of complexity to the Armenia-Azerbaijan war. While the conflict is primarily rooted in historical and territorial disputes, the involvement of external powers and their military equipment transforms it into a testing ground for a range of modern weapons systems. This dynamic not only raises the stakes for both Armenia and Azerbaijan but also for India and Pakistan, whose defense products may face off in an indirect proxy confrontation.
As the conflict continues, the question remains: how will these Indo-Pakistani weapons perform under the rigors of battle? The answer could have far-reaching implications, not only for the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict but also for the future of military exports from India and Pakistan, two nations whose defense industries are increasingly looking to establish themselves on the world stage.
