Armenian PKP Pecheneg Acquisition

The 2020 Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, also known as the 44-Day War, was a conflict in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh dating back to the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. This conflict represented a notable escalation of longstanding tensions among Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the self-declared Armenian breakaway state of Artsakh.

This resulted in a significant shift in control over the disputed region. Following Azerbaijan's victory, Russia brokered a ceasefire agreement. This agreement led to the deployment of Russian peacekeepers along the Lachin Corridor, a vital corridor connecting the Republic of Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh. While this ceasefire effectively ended hostilities, it did not resolve the underlying tensions. Ongoing skirmishes and clashes have persisted between Armenians and Azerbaijanis. The situation has remained volatile, with periodic violations of the ceasefire agreement. On my recent visit, this can be seen with massive trench complexes and bunker fortifications spread around the countryside.

The Gun

The PKP Pecheneg machine gun is a modernized version of the original PKM. While various countries have purchased the PKP, its distribution is less widespread than that of the PKM. I have   covered the PKP in detail and found this acquisition very interesting, as the PK series and machine guns, in general, fascinate me. The PKP represents a further modernization and improvement of my favorite general-purpose machine gun, and I believe the PKM is arguably the best in the world. However, updated machine gun doctrine can significantly enhance its performance, which I discussed in a separate article.

In 2021, Armenia signed a defense contract with Russia to procure weapons. However, Russia encountered difficulties in delivering the arms, most likely due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This logically led to Russia's preference for supplying its forces first. As of November 2023, deliveries had not yet occurred, but if the issues were resolved, they might have happened in 2024. The specific details of the deal remain undisclosed, but it is likely to include the acquisition of PKP Pecheneg machine guns, the particular version of which is the 6P41N.

The PKP Pecheneg is known for its accuracy improvement over the PKM, reliability, and ability to sustain fire with an improved barrel metallurgical composition and a cooling system. The exact number of PKPs acquired is unknown, and there is minimal photographic evidence, possibly due to delays in delivery in 2024 or because only a small batch was ordered for testing. I contacted the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia about the PKP machine gun acquisition and, unfortunately, received no comment.

The Shift

Recent escalations have exposed Russia’s security mechanisms inadequacy within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Although the 2020 war was outside the CSTO's responsibilities, subsequent attacks fell directly within its purview and should have been addressed. In response, Armenia has gradually distanced itself from the CSTO, pausing its membership and opting for an EU monitoring mission. As of 2024, Armenia is in the process of withdrawing from the CSTO.

Armenia is no longer considered Russia's backyard, a status it held since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Considering Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020, Armenia is now shifting its defense and security policies. As of 2024, Russia accounts for less than 10 percent of Armenia’s arms acquisitions.

The United States and the European Union acknowledge the importance of fostering a more independent and militarily capable Armenia to enhance regional security. The West aims to create a balanced approach to regional influences and address emerging challenges by providing increased military support and training. This collaborative strategy is intended to reinforce Armenia's sovereignty while contributing to the overall stability and prosperity of the region.

The United States has increasingly supported Armenia by conducting two Eagle Partner peacekeeping drills on Armenian soil in 2023 and 2024. This is where we get our first look at the Armenian used PKP machine guns in 2024.

This realignment allows Armenia to redefine its geopolitical role, moving away from the Kremlin's sphere of influence and toward Western allies. As of January 2025, the Armenian government has approved a draft law to begin the process of Armenia’s accession to the European Union. Currently, there are no indications that Armenia intends to join NATO. Suppose it does decide to pursue NATO membership, in that case, as Georgia did, it may necessitate standardizing weapons and calibers to align with NATO standards. Armenia may choose to retain its Soviet-era calibers, like Finland's approach.