The Armenian special forces recently showcased their growing military prowess in a series of training exercises, incorporating newly acquired French Bastion armored vehicles and a previously unseen type of suicide drone.
The drone in question bears a striking resemblance to the Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) ALS-50, a fixed-wing loitering munition developed in India. The ALS-50 boasts a range of over 50 kilometers, transitioning to a fixed-wing configuration after launch to home in on its target.
With a wingspan of 3.8 meters, it can carry a payload of up to 6 kilograms of anti-personnel or anti-tank weaponry. Its lightweight composite construction and 100km/h cruise speed make it a formidable asset.
While TASL has not officially confirmed any sale or export of the ALS-50 drones to Armenia, and the number of units potentially acquired remains unknown, their presence during the training exercises signals a potential shift in Armenian military capabilities.
The Bastion armored vehicles, recently acquired from France, further enhance the special forces' tactical capabilities. These versatile vehicles are known for their protection against small arms fire and mines, offering enhanced mobility and protection for troops during operations.
The combination of the Bastion armored vehicles and the potential addition of the ALS-50 suicide drones represents a significant advancement in the Armenian military's arsenal, demonstrating a commitment to modernizing their forces and enhancing their defensive capabilities.
The Armenian Ministry of Defense has not yet released an official statement regarding the exercises or the specifics of their new equipment. However, the display of these advanced capabilities has sparked considerable interest and discussion within the defense community.
