NEW DELHI: Armenia has suspended negotiations to purchase India’s Tejas light combat aircraft following last week’s fatal crash involving the jet at the Dubai Airshow, according to media reports. The development marks a major setback for New Delhi’s hopes of securing the first major export order for its indigenous fighter.
Yerevan had been in talks with the Indian government and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the acquisition of 12 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft in a deal estimated at USD 1.2 billion. The aircraft was also being offered with Israeli-origin avionics and weapons systems, according to media reports.
The suspension comes after the 21 November crash, in which Wing Commander Namansh Sial, an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot, was killed during an aerobatic demonstration.
The Indian Air Force deeply mourns the tragic loss of Wg Cdr Namansh Syal, who lost his life in the unfortunate Tejas aircraft accident at the Dubai Air Show.
A dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional, he served the nation with unwavering commitment, exceptional skill… pic.twitter.com/1XytMiFWsG— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 22, 2025
The Indian aircraft lost control during a low-altitude manoeuvre and plummeted into the ground, erupting into flames. The cause of the crash is yet to be formally established, with investigations examining both technical malfunction and possible pilot error.
The incident triggered global scrutiny of the Tejas programme at a critical moment when India has been attempting to position the aircraft in the international market as a multirole platform. The aircraft had been showcased at the Dubai Airshow before the accident.
Financial and strategic repercussions
The Armenian decision is expected to have financial consequences for Israeli suppliers, particularly Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elta Systems, which provide the aircraft’s AESA radar, electronic warfare suite, and other key components for the Tejas A1 variant.
According to media reports, the potential losses are amounted to tens of millions of dollars if the deal is ultimately shelved.
Armenia had reportedly been evaluating around 20 Tejas Mk-1A units, viewing the jet as a relatively affordable solution for modernising its ageing Soviet-era fleet of MiG-29s and Su-25s.
However, the Dubai crash appears to have heightened Armenian concerns over the Tejas’ operational maturity.
Tejas programme under renewed scrutiny
The Tejas, developed since the 1980s to replace India’s MiG-21 fleet, remains a cornerstone of New Delhi’s indigenous defence ambitions.
The IAF has so far received 40 aircraft from the initial production run. Production has recently begun on 97 advanced A1 models, incorporating Israeli-origin radar, electronic warfare systems, and the Derby beyond-visual-range missile.
Despite aggressive marketing in Southeast Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East, Tejas has yet to secure a major confirmed export order.
Past campaigns in Malaysia, Argentina and Egypt have not materialised, with analysts often citing the aircraft’s dependency on imported systems—particularly the US-made GE F404 engine.
The suspension of talks comes as Armenia reassesses its airpower requirements. Yerevan is now reportedly exploring alternatives such as South Korea’s FA-50, France’s Rafale, and upgraded Russian-origin Su-30MKI variants.
The FA-50, priced significantly lower, has gained export traction in Asia and Eastern Europe. The Rafale, though more capable, carries a far higher price tag.
Defence analysts say the suspension represents a major blow to India’s defence export push and may influence undecided buyers assessing the Tejas for their own air forces.
