2023 September 15

Daily news wrap-up

Indian drones & missiles: Part 2 \\\ Yerevan's buses get unified payment terminals, arrival tracker \\\ Cheaper mail \\\ Analyst discusses AM-RU-US relations \\\ Survey shows Armenians' attitude towards EU, Russian sanctions, NATO, and Ukraine
by ar_david_hh

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8 minutes

Part 2: Armenia is interested in Indian weapons & drones

[Part one is here.](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/16gex1j/armenias_indian_weapons_extendedrange_guided/)

Indian press writes that Armenia's defense ministry visited India in July 2022 with a "long list of weapons" it wants to buy. The emphasis was on drones. The same week they released photos of reconnaissance drones called Rustom-II also known as [TAPAS BH-201](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TAPAS-BH-201). These are MALE drones (medium-altitude long-endurance).

>[TAPAS BH-201] has an operational range of 1000 km and payload capacity of 350 kg with an endurance of 24 hours at 30,000 ft altitude. It will carry variety of payloads such as Long Range Electro Optic (LREO) payload and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) MPAR, ELINT, COMINT, IFF, TCAS, UCR etc. depending upon the ISR mission requirements.

It was first experimented by India in 2016 and was declared ready for experiments by foreign buyers this year. The first batch will be supplied to the Indian army when ready.

LEONID NERSISYAN: It's too early to talk about imports yet because it's not even in the Indian army yet. Even then I don't think this particular drone is suited for Armenia because they are too large, larger than TB-2, which makes them more vulnerable. Besides that, Armenia may not need a drone that has an operational range of 1000 km. //

Indian press writes that Armenia is also interested in kamikaze drones called "ALS 50", capable of operating in difficult terrain and high altitude areas. It's designed for vertical takeoff and landing. In the air, it converts into a fixed-wing mode for long-distance travel.

>ALS 50 has an autonomous targeting system that can accurately identify and home into a pre-determined target

Another type of drone Armenia is interested in is a hexacopter that drops a payload weighing 1-10 kg, with a lethal radius of 8-30m for lightly protected targets. Another variant of this drone acts as a kamikaze that's launched from a hand, catapult, or vehicle. They carry up to 10 kg load and fly 15-100 km.

Armenia is also interested in AKASH mid-range surface-to-air missile systems. MOD Papikyan visited their booth during an expo in India. These missiles can target objects flying within 25 km at an altitude of 20 km. The AKASH-AG variant has a reach of 70 km. The non-NG version has similarities with Russia's KUB system, which Armenia currently owns.

Armenia is also considering the purchase of mid-range MR-SAM air defense systems, produced jointly by India and Israel, to replace its Russian-made S-125 units. *[these are the twats that were shooting down friendly jets during the war]*

A similar version of this MR-SAM was delivered to Azerbaijan earlier. Azerbaijan owns the version that's attached to a Belarusian truck. Armenia is interested in the version that's attached to a semi. Indian press writes that Israel's permission to export it to Armenia may not be necessary but they will be informed either way. This might be because India owns 70% of the company.

Armenia is also interested in the Indian equivalent of Iskander, called Pralay. "Armenia's Iskander" has a range of 280 km, while Pralay has 150-500 km with an accuracy of <10 m. Just because Armenia is interested in this doesn't mean they will buy one, says expert Leonid Nersisyan.

Indian press writes that 6 out of 90 pieces of 155mm ATAGS howitzers purchased by Armenia were delivered last month. The contract is worth $155m and will be fulfilled within 3 years of signing the contract.

[source,](https://hetq.am/hy/article/160066) [source,](https://www.businessworld.in/article/DRDO-s-Light-Tank-Will-Be-Power-Pack-As-The-Highest-Altitude-Operable-Tank-In-The-Globe-G-Satheesh-Reddy-Chairman-DRDO/09-03-2021-383371/) [source,](https://web.archive.org/web/20221101193854/https:/economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indigenous-loitering-munition-successfully-hits-target-at-pokhran/articleshow/94383125.cms) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/269008)

Polls: Perception of the EU in Armenia

The survey was conducted by the EU to monitor the trends.

... attitude towards EU

47% positive (vs 42% in 2022)

10% negative, 38% Neutral

... trust towards EU

60% trust, 30% don't trust

... trust towards UN

50% trust, 42% don't trust

... trust towards EAEU (Russian trade bloc)

40% trust, 47% don't trust

... Trust towards NATO

27% trust, 62% don't trust (similar results for CSTO)

... do Armenians support the current sanctions against Russia?

51% yes (34% last year)

40% no (57% last year)

... Russia attacked Ukraine to protect Donbas civilians

45% agree, 44% disagree

... Russia had no other choice but to attack

43% agree, 46% disagree

... NATO provoked Russia to attack Ukraine

41% agree, 40% disagree

... Ukraine is an independent country defending its territorial integrity

79% agree, 15% disagree

... the West is pushing Ukraine against Russia

62% agree, 24% disagree

... Russia is violating international laws in Ukraine

58% agree, 26% disagree

... U.S. bio-labs are producing bio-weapons in Ukraine

43% don't know, 39% agree, 18% disagree

... most popular language while reading news

88% Armenian, 44% Russian, 18% English

... trust/distrust % for each institution

Government 36/58

Parliament 27/68

Church 25/69

Courts 23/71

[full,](https://euneighbourseast.eu/news/publications/annual-survey-2023-armenia/) [source,](https://factor.am/688523.html)

the pro-Armenian statements made by deputy foreign minister of the U.S. Yuri Kim: Interview with analyst Hovsep Khurshudyan

[Read yesterday's report if you missed it.](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/16izcll/us_reaffirms_proarmenian_position_on_lachin/)

KHURSHUDYAN: Yuri Kim used strong language and even stated that the U.S. won't tolerate any attack on the "people of Nagorno-Karabakh". The phrase she used is essentially one of the elements of Nagorno-Karabkh being a subject. If in the past it was "Stepanakert/Khankendi", now it's just "Stepanakert". She emphasized that the passage of a single truck is insufficient and demanded the Lachin corridor be opened "without delay" regardless of anything. All these elements indicate that a wave might be approaching. This is a yellow card to Azerbaijan.

Active diplomatic work is underway between Armenia and Azerbaijan. They are exchanging ideas ahead of the negotiation date hosted by the West. We are seeing the activation of international media as well. This is important.

You saw how knowledgeable U.S. Senators were and how they listed every single "pro-Western" or "anti-Russian" move made by Armenia in recent times. Even the small steps matter and are appreciated.

Russia has thus far only responded with harsh rhetoric and no action because they actually fear they might get kicked out of the region now. I won't rule out that the recent news about Azeri troop accumulation on borders is coordinated between Russia and Azerbaijan to pressure Pashinyan.

REPORTER: What does Russia want from Armenia?

KHURSHUDYAN: Isn't it obvious by now? Russia wants a "Zangezur corridor" controlled by its agents. It would help them bypass sanctions more easily with the help of Turkey.

Next time the New York Times writes an article again about Armenia and Kazakhstan helping Russia with the import of microchips, we must demand their sources because Yuri Kim stated that she believes Armenia has been respecting those sanctions.

REPORTER: The critics say the U.S. is attempting to establish and control chaos against Russia.

KHURSHUDYAN: The U.S. has no leverage on the ground to control chaos, only Russia does. Russia has troops in the region and can work with Azerbaijan to use the AM-AZ border as a point of pressure against Armenia to get what it wants.

Why did the 2021 invasion begin shortly before the parliamentary elections in Armenia? We know that the Kremlin in reality doesn't like Pashinyan. They either want Pashinyan to surrender the corridor or leave the office. Pashinyan has decided not to give a corridor, so they want him removed.

It's beneficial for Russia if Azerbaijan attacks Armenia now and contributes to the removal of Pashinyan. That way Russia will also solve the issue of Armenia drifting towards the West. Hence the likely cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan to maintain tensions and instability in the region. They have deployed their footsoldiers like Ruben Vardanyan's Aprelu Yerkir, Kocharyan's Mayr Hayastan, and others to achieve this goal [through Yerevan municipal elections].

Even Iran is against Russian proxies controlling Armenia, and Russia controlling a "Zangezur corridor". Iran clearly sees that Turkey, Russia, and Azerbaijan have formed an alliance. They don't want Armenia to join them. //

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf6y_ObHNqI)

the "gas hub" project between Russia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan is being delayed because they don't want to share power

Russia views Turkey as an opportunity to bypass energy sanctions. Their push to create a "gas hub" in Turkey is meant to replace lost sales to Europe. The goal is to sell the same gas via Turkey to countries that would not be willing to buy directly from Russia [by Reuters].

The West is concerned that any Turkish gas hub that includes Russian gas could allow Moscow to mask the sanctioned exports by mixing the fuel with that from other sources.

Turkey also wants to include Azerbaijan's TANAP gas in the proposed Russian hub.

The project is being delayed because of disagreements over who should be in charge of the hub.

[source,](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/disagreements-delay-russian-gas-hub-plans-turkey-sources-2023-09-14/) [source,](https://factor.am/688165.html)

Turkish companies are sanctioned for helping Kremlin produce deadly drones and missiles used against Ukraine

The U.S. has imposed sanctions on several Turkish companies for helping Russia evade sanctions.

>The US said it 'repeatedly' warned Ankara over the shipment of dual-use goods to Russia

>[a sanctioned firm] had made “hundreds of shipments” to Russian companies producing military UAVs (Unmanned Ariel Vehicles).

The components were used for producing Kalibr and Kh cruise missiles, and Orlan-10 drones. Another Turkish firm was supplying sensors and measuring tools.

[source,](https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-sanctions-five-turkish-firms-wide-ranging-russia-crackdown)

bridge connecting the Azerbaijan-Russia road collapses: PHOTOS

Multiple injuries were reported after the collapse of a bridge in the northeastern part of Azerbaijan, near the Caspian Sea. A car fell into the river. The cause was the rainstorm that lasted several days.

[source,](https://factor.am/688232.html)

Yerevan lunches unified ticketing system for public transportation

Electronic payment terminals will be installed in buses, first on German MAN buses next month, then in trolleys, the subway, and then the rest of the buses.

Cash won't be accepted anymore. Riders can use bank cards, paper tickets, temporary QR codes, and the TelCel mobile app. These will become available over time.

Open the TelCel app, tap Transport, specify the number of tickets you need, and buy them. The ticket is valid for 30 days. Hold the ticket's QR code against the terminal while boarding.

The same can be done on dedicated ticket sales terminals. Insert your phone number to buy a ticket. Take the printed QR code and scan it while boarding.

1 ticket = ֏100 ($0.25)

[video,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exO8PDNEdBo?t=14) [source,](https://arka.am/en/news/society/yerevan_lunches_unified_ticketing_system_for_public_transportation/)

bus arrival times powered by GPS trackers are now available on the phone: PHOTO

Yandex Go currently shows the arrival times for several bus routes that serve 30,000 people daily.

[source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/269032)

Armenia's post office sharply drops shipping prices to some EU countries

Before: ֏129k for 20kg to France/Germany

Now: ֏58k

The 5 kg has gone from ֏39k to ֏20k.

HayPost also promises faster delivery times. It's a result of logistics improvements, optimizations, and tighter cooperation with foreign partners, said HayPost.

[source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/269007)

update: wife of a famous Russian blogger found dead in Yerevan apartment

Alexei Romanov's wife Yana Zelenskaya was found dead yesterday. No signs of violence were found. According to preliminary information, she committed suicide driven by the grief of the loss of their daughter to anorexia earlier this year.

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VpHbgTNRQE) [source,](https://factor.am/688340.html)

we found the Wagner fighters

They are driving taxi in Russia these days.

>families of the former [Wagner] fighters are reportedly complaining in private chat groups that they’ve been turned away from more respectable positions at defense enterprises and factories—and urged instead to work as taxi drivers or couriers for fast food restaurants.

Earned freedom, but not respect:

>Others complained that the pardons given to ex-convicts-turned-Wagner mercenaries were useless, as their records still clearly display all their crimes for potential employers.

[source,](https://www.thedailybeast.com/wagner-taxi-company-set-up-as-ex-con-fighters-struggle-to-find-jobs)

Global survey: How much money do you need to earn annually to be happy?

(1) Iran $239,700 *(explain yourselves)*

(10) United States $105,000

(102) Armenia $19,346

(107) Moldova $18,585

(112) Georgia $18,110

(126) Azerbaijan $16,279

(150) Turkey $14,254

(Last) Sierra Leone $8,658

[source,](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/price-happiness-every-country-revealed-30939853)

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/16jrkpv/indian_drones_missiles_part_2_yerevans_buses_get/