As Armenia continues to expand its military capabilities, media reports suggest that Yerevan is eyeing to purchase battle tanks made especially for rugged mountainous terrain made in South Korea.
Armenia’s Defense Minister Suren Papikyan visited South Korea last month to explore the possibility of acquiring K2 Black Panther battle tanks developed by Hyundai Rotem, the South Korean media outlet Chosun Biz, reported.
Papikyan also attended a high-level meeting on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence (REAIM), organized by South Korea’s Defense and Foreign ministries in Seoul.
The K2 battle tank, currently used by the South Korean Army, features a semi-active pneumatic suspension system, an advanced technology that is especially well-suited to mountainous terrains.
This adds a potential new military supplier to Armenia, with India announcing in August that it will begin delivery of its air defense missile system to Armenia later this year.
In a far-reaching agreement with India, Armenia purchased 15 Akash missile systems in a deal estimated to cost $720 million, the Indian Defense Research Wing announced in August.
In a report cited by Russia’s TASS news agency on July 23, the Indian Finance Ministry described Armenia as the largest importer of weapons from India after the South Caucasus country concluded deals on the purchase of Pinaka multiple-launch rocket systems and Akash anti-aircraft systems.
France has also formed a military relationship with Armenia, shipping advanced military reconnaissance equipment and training for Armenia’s Armed Services.
France’s Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné last month said that his country will continue its military cooperation with Armenia, and called on Baku to demonstrate its commitment to the peace agenda in the region.
Official Baku has condemned France for its military partnership with Armenia, accusing Paris of arming Armenia and thus threatening the security of the region.
