ISLAMABAD: Armenia has suspended negotiations with India for the purchaseof Tejas fighter jets, mere days after a tragic crash during an aerialdisplay at the Dubai Airshow. The incident, which occurred on Saturday,November 21, 2025, resulted in the death of Indian Wing Commander NamanshSyal, the experienced pilot at the controls. This development has cast ashadow over what was poised to be a landmark export deal for New Delhi’sindigenous defense industry.
The crash unfolded during a low-level maneuver at Al Maktoum InternationalAirport, where the Tejas Mk 1 aircraft plummeted to the ground and eruptedinto a fireball. Eyewitnesses described scenes of shock as black smokebillowed across the venue, halting proceedings momentarily. The Indian AirForce issued a statement expressing profound grief, praising Syal’sunwavering commitment and skill. A court of inquiry has been ordered toascertain the cause, with preliminary speculations pointing to possiblemechanical failure or pilot error.
Prior to the suspension, Armenia was in advanced discussions with theIndian government and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for acquiring 12Tejas jets at an estimated $1.2 billion. This agreement would have markedthe first major international sale for the light combat aircraft, developedover four decades to replace aging MiG-21s in India’s fleet. Yerevan soughtthe jets to modernize its Soviet-era air force amid escalating tensionswith Azerbaijan, viewing the Tejas as a cost-effective multirole platformequipped with advanced avionics.
The halt in talks underscores growing concerns regarding the Tejas’sreliability on the global stage. Regional defense analysts note thatArmenia may now pivot to alternatives from South Korea or France,potentially delaying its fleet upgrades. For India, the setback arrives ata critical juncture, as production ramps up for 97 upgraded Mk 1A variantsincorporating Israeli systems like AESA radar. Official statements fromboth nations remain pending, leaving the future of bilateral defense tiesuncertain.
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The Tejas program, initiated in 1982, symbolizes India’s push forself-reliance in arms manufacturing. Yet, this episode highlightspersistent challenges in securing export orders, with only 40 Mk 1 unitsdelivered to the Indian Air Force thus far. As investigations continue, theincident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in high-stakesaerial demonstrations and the intricate balance of innovation and safety inmilitary aviation.
Source: www.jpost.com/international/article-875092″>https://www.jpost.com/international/article-875092