Armenian shift: Yerevan sends arms to Ukraine, cuts Kremlin ties

Armenia, a former ally of the Russian Federation, is turning away from the Kremlin, reports Defense Romania. According to reports, Yerevan is sending Ukraine artillery and tank ammunition, as well as a range of Soviet-era air defense systems. In exchange, Armenia is to receive modern equipment from the West.

Yerevan was said to have signed an agreement with the European Commission in the last days of August 2024 related to the supply of ammunition and air threat countermeasures to Ukraine. The contract is valued at 210 million euros (approximately $223 million). Defense Romania notes that Armenia is already in the process of transferring weapons through ports in Georgia.

According to analysts, the decision to change sides and turn away from the Russian Federation may stem from Russian inaction towards Armenians during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Russians have long been Armenia's allies, but recent tightening relations with Azerbaijan have made Yerevan look towards the West.

What exactly can Yerevan hand over to Ukraine? Although Armenia is a relatively small country, it has a considerable arsenal—mainly from the post-Soviet era. However, this works in Ukraine's favor, as they have been dealing with such machines for years and know how to use them ideally. Defense Romania lists that supplies to Kyiv primarily include S-300, 9K37 Buk, 9K33 Tor, and 9K33 Osa systems. It is also possible that Yerevan is supporting Ukraine with short-range ballistic missiles OTR-21 with cluster warheads.

Armenia's removal of Soviet-era equipment does not mean the country will be left without important weapons. In exchange for supporting Ukraine, Yerevan will receive modern weapons from France, including Mistral portable air defense systems and Caesar self-propelled howitzers.

Air defense systems such as the S-300, 9K37 Buk, 9K33 Tor, and 9K33 Osa are key elements in many countries' military arsenals. The S-300 system is one of the world's most well-known air defense systems. Developed for the Soviet Union in 1978, it has undergone numerous modifications. Its main advantage is the ability to combat long-range targets, even up to 93 miles. The S-300 can intercept both aircraft and ballistic missiles.

On the other hand, the 9K37 Buk, also known as the SA-11 Gadfly system, is a mobile air defense system designed in the late 1970s. It allows for the interception of aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles. Its advanced Soviet missiles guarantee high effectiveness.

The 9K33 Tor system, often called the SA-15 Gauntlet, is intended for short—and medium-range air defense. It is effective in intercepting various targets, including drones and precision-guided missiles. Its range reaches 7 miles, and a single missile weighs approximately 375 pounds.

Meanwhile, the 9K33 Osa SA-8 Gecko system is the first fully autonomous mobile surface-to-air missile system. Designed in the 1960s, this system is still used and modernized by many countries due to its effectiveness. Missiles fired by this weapon can destroy threats up to 9 miles from the launcher.