Armenia has suspended its plans to purchase India’s Tejas fighter jets following the aircraft’s crash at the Dubai Air Show, multiple media reports have stated.

 

According to reports, Armenia and the Indian government, along with aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), were negotiating a deal worth $1.2 billion for 12 jets. If finalized, it would have marked the first major export of the Tejas fighter jet.

 

The crash, which occurred on November 21 at the Dubai Air Show, claimed the life of the pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Sial. The cause of the accident has not yet been confirmed, with officials investigating whether it was due to a technical malfunction or pilot error.

 

The Tejas jet was developed to replace the aging fleet of Indian MiG-21s, which were recently grounded. So far, the Indian Air Force has received 40 aircraft from the first production run. Production of 97 units of an advanced version, called the A1 Tejas, has now begun. This upgraded version includes improvements to bring the aircraft in line with Western fighter jets, largely due to Israeli systems integrated into the design.

 

The A1 Tejas will feature AESA radar technology and an electronic warfare system manufactured by Elta of Israel Aerospace Industries. Pilots will also have access to the new generation of Elbit’s helmet-mounted sight. The aircraft will be armed with Rafael-manufactured Derby radar-guided missiles.

 

Reports indicate that Armenia’s decision to halt the purchase could cause losses worth tens of millions of dollars for Israel Aerospace Industries, which supplied many of these advanced systems.

 

The crash and its aftermath drew criticism from international participants at the air show. Major Taylor Hiester, commander of the US Air Force F-16 Viper Team aerobatic team, expressed shock on his Instagram account over the accident and the decision to continue aerobatic displays. Out of respect for Wing Commander Sial and his family, the team canceled its final performance at the event.