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Armenia has halted negotiations to acquire India’s Tejas fighter jet following a fatal crash during an air display at the Dubai Airshow on Saturday.
The pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Sial, was killed in the incident.
Armenia had been in talks with the Indian government and aircraft manufacturer HAL for the purchase of 12 Tejas aircraft valued at $1.2 billion, which would have marked the jet’s first export deal.
Development of the Tejas began in 1982 as part of India’s efforts to expand both its arms procurement and defense exports.
The Tejas was designed to replace India’s fleet of MiG-21s, the last of which were grounded this year.
The Indian Air Force has so far received 40 Tejas aircraft from the initial production run.
Production has now begun on 97 units of an upgraded version, the A1, featuring enhancements aimed at aligning the aircraft with Western fighter capabilities.
The new version incorporates Israeli systems, including AESA radar technology and an electronic warfare suite manufactured by Elta of Israel Aerospace Industries.
The A1 variant will also include Elbit’s next-generation helmet-mounted sight, alongside Rafael-produced Derby radar-guided missiles.
These systems are part of the broader upgrade package integrated into the advanced platform.
The cause of the Dubai crash has not yet been determined, with no clarification on whether it stemmed from technical failure or pilot error.
However, the incident has already affected the aircraft’s reputation. If the Armenian deal is canceled, Israel Aerospace Industries is expected to lose tens of millions of dollars in revenue.
Major Taylor Hiester, commander of the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Team aerobatic unit participating in the Dubai Airshow, criticized the event organizers for continuing aerobatic displays after the Tejas crash.
Out of respect for the Indian pilot and his family, his team canceled its final performance at the event.
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