France ships a batch of Bastion armored vehicles to Armenia
12 November, 2023 Bastion armored vehicles in Georgia. Photo from social media Armenia received a batch of Bastion armored vehicles from Acmat as part of a military cooperation program with France.
Azerbaijani Telegram channels reported on this. The batch, visually consisting of 22 armored vehicles, arrived at the Georgian port of Poti, from which it left for Armenia by rail. It is noted that the French company ARQUUS is the consignor of the cargo.
During her recent visit to Armenia, Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, stated that Paris agreed to sign an agreement with Yerevan on supplying military equipment necessary to meet Armenian defense needs.
Bastion armored vehicles in Georgia. Photo from social media
In addition to armored vehicles, France promised to sell Armenia air defense systems to protect the country's airspace. The French refused to specify which military equipment and weapons would be supplied to Armenia within future contracts.
Based on the statements of French high-ranking officials, it can be assumed that Armenia purchased armored vehicles and not received them free of charge. Azerbaijan perceives the Armenian-French defense cooperation in a negative way. Baku warned that France's supply of arms to Armenia could provoke a new conflict in the South Caucasus.
In addition to the French defense industry, Armenia is considering the Indian one. India previously supplied Armenia with the Pinaka multiple rocket launchers of its own design, which were sold abroad for the first time.
Associated equipment of Bastion armored vehicles in Georgia. Photo from social media
Anti-tank missiles and a batch of ammunition were also transferred.
The supply of weapons was executed via the transport corridor going through the territory of Iran.
According to the Indian Defence Research Wing, in early August, the Indian defense company Bharat Forge Ltd. handed over six 155-mm ATAGS howitzers to Armenia within a £155.5 million contract.
The agreement provides for the supply of 90 artillery howitzers of this type within three years.