DUBAI – Armenia has decided to suspend its planned purchase of 12 Indian Tejas fighter jets following a crash at the Dubai Airshow that resulted in the destruction of one of the aircraft.
The crash of Tejas fighter jet on November 21 also claimed the life of the pilot.
International media reported that Armenia and India were in talks for a deal valued at $1.2 billion for the purchase of the Tejas jets.
If finalized, it would have marked the first major export deal for the Indian-made Tejas fighter jets.
However, the crash has led Armenia to put a halt to the procurement process, citing concerns over the safety and reliability of the aircraft.
The decision has also had financial repercussions for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which supplied advanced radar systems and other equipment integrated into the Tejas jets.
With Armenia’s purchase suspended, IAI is facing losses amounting to tens of millions of dollars due to the cancellation.
The crash of the Tejas jet at the Dubai Airshow has raised doubts about the aircraft’s capabilities and its potential in the international arms market.
The HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed mid-air during demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, and the pilot lost his life. Clips of the jet exploding in flames went viral, drawing global attention to the tragedy.
India’s pride, HAL Tejas fighter jet, can be seen going down from the sky and erupted into a massive fireball in front of stunned spectators. Black smoke soared over Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central as sirens blared and onlookers watched in shock. The pilot tragically lost his life in the accident.
Indian Air Force confirmed the fatal crash, expressing deep grief and stating that a court of inquiry will probe the cause of the disaster.
Tejas Jet Crash
Terrible News of India’s Tejas crashing in Dubai Air show. No ejection by pilot spotted. Heartbreaking scene. Via @zone5aviation
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) November 21, 2025
Tejas, is developed by Indian official as light combat aircraft. It was built jointly by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the single-engine, multi-role jet represents the nation’s leap into advanced aerospace technology.
Indian Air Force currently operates Mk1 version and is eagerly awaiting the upgraded Mk1A, equipped with cutting-edge avionics, AESA radar, and sophisticated electronic warfare systems. Tejas remains among the smallest and lightest supersonic fighters in the world. Its frame uses a mix of aluminium-lithium alloys, titanium, and advanced carbon-fibre composites, which account for almost 45% of its weight and cover nearly 90% of its outer structure.
It includes Astra and I-Derby ER beyond-visual-range missiles, short-range missiles such as R-73, Python-5, and ASRAAM, and an internal 23 mm twin-barrel GSh-23 cannon. Its jet boasts eight hardpoints, including three “wet” pylons for drop tanks, and a dedicated hardpoint for advanced sensor pods. An air-to-air refuelling probe enhances its operational range, making it a versatile threat in the sky.
Dozens of Indian jets have previously crashed during routine sorties and operational missions.
‘Oil Leak or Low-Altitude Stunt’: What caused Tejas Jet Crash at Dubai Airshow?
