Armenia has recently taken a significant step in strengthening its military capabilities by receiving the first batch of Bastion armored vehicles from the French defense company Arquus, previously known as Renault Trucks Defense. This development, reported by Ouest France, marks a notable advancement in Armenia’s defense procurement.
The announcement of this delivery was made by journalist and analyst Leonid Nersisyan on Sunday, November 12, accompanied by photographs of the armored vehicles spotted at the Georgian port of Poti, en route to Armenia. The Bastion vehicles are particularly significant due to their initial intended delivery to Ukraine in 2022. However, Kyiv had found them inadequate against artillery fire and anti-tank missiles, leading to Armenia’s acquisition.
In a visit to Yerevan on October 3, French diplomatic head Catherine Colonna confirmed Paris’s agreement to supply military equipment to Armenia. She stated during a press conference, “France has given its approval for future contracts with Armenia, enabling the delivery of military equipment for its defense capabilities.”
The deal further solidified during Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan’s visit to Paris on October 22 and 23, where he met with his French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu. Subsequent to these meetings, agreements for bilateral cooperation were signed, paving the way for the expedited delivery of military equipment from France.
Initially, La Tribune, a French newspaper, reported the transfer of these vehicles to Ukraine on October 3, 2022. Arquus, a part of Sweden’s Volvo Group, was slated to supply Ukraine with 20 Bastion armored vehicles.
The Bastion, weighing 12.5 tons, is capable of carrying a crew of eight soldiers, offering protection against small arms fire and mines. Its deployment to Armenia signifies a significant upgrade in the nation’s military arsenal, reflecting the growing dynamics of international defense collaborations. The acquisition underscores Armenia’s strategic efforts to bolster its defense posture amidst regional uncertainties. This move by Armenia, in collaboration with a notable European defense contractor, signifies a pivotal shift in the balance of military capabilities in the region.
