Armenia has suspended negotiations to purchase India’s Tejas light combat aircraft following a fatal crash during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow, officials confirmed this week.
Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Namansh Sial was killed when the single-engine jet went down during the show on Saturday. Investigators have not yet determined whether the accident resulted from pilot error or a technical malfunction.
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.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 22, 2025
A dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional, he served the nation with unwavering commitment, exceptional skill… pic.twitter.com/1XytMiFWsG
Talks covered $1.2 billion aircraft package
Armenia had been in discussions with New Delhi and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for a deal involving 12 Tejas aircraft valued at roughly $1.2 billion. The agreement would have represented the first export sale of the fighter, which India has been developing since the 1980s to replace its MiG-21 fleet.
The crash has cast uncertainty over the aircraft’s prospects abroad. Armenia was viewed as one of the most likely early customers, as it seeks to modernize its aging Soviet-era air fleet amid shifting regional security dynamics.
The latest Tejas A1 variant integrates several Israeli-made systems, including Elta’s AESA radar, an electronic-warfare suite, Elbit’s new helmet-mounted sight, and Rafael’s Derby air-to-air missiles. India has delivered about 40 early-production Tejas fighters to its air force, with production of 97 A1 units now underway.
