Armenia Rethinks $1.2B Tejas Purchase After Tragic Airshow Crash

A deal that was set to redefine India’s defence export ambitions now hangs in the balance. Just days after a tragic crash involving an Indian Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Air Show, reports suggest that Armenia has put its planned $1.2 billion purchase of 12 Tejas aircraft on temporary hold.

For India, this contract would have been a historic first—marking the export debut of its indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). But the sudden turn of events has injected uncertainty into what was believed to be a near-finalised agreement.

In what could be a setback to India’s growing defence export portfolio, Armenia has reportedly paused its negotiations to acquire 12 Tejas fighter jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The deal—valued at ₹10,000 crore ($1.2 billion)—was said to be in the concluding stages of approval. However, neither the Armenian government nor India’s Ministry of Defence has issued any official confirmation regarding the suspension.

India and Armenia have rapidly strengthened defence ties in recent years. In 2023, both nations signed a landmark ₹6,000 crore ($1.6 billion) agreement, covering Akash air defence systems, artillery, drones, ammunition, and surveillance systems—many developed with French collaboration.

This growing partnership has drawn criticism from Azerbaijan, which has accused India and France of “adding fuel to the fire” in the already volatile South Caucasus region. Azerbaijan continues to back Pakistan and Turkey, forming a strategic axis countering Armenia.

The Dubai Crash That Triggered Concerns

During a high-profile aerial demonstration at the 2025 Dubai Air Show, a Tejas aircraft suddenly lost altitude at around 2:10 PM local time, crashing moments later and bursting into flames. The pilot tragically lost his life on the spot, marking a devastating moment for the Indian Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

This incident is the second Tejas crash in 20 months—the previous one occurred in March 2024 in Jaisalmer, where the pilot ejected safely. While investigations are underway, the latest crash appears to have raised fresh questions among potential buyers, especially Armenia, which had been in advanced stage discussions since mid-2024.

Unique Strengths of the Tejas Fighter Jet

Despite recent setbacks, the Tejas remains one of the most sophisticated lightweight fighters in its class. Some of its notable features include:

• 4.5-Generation Multirole Capability: Equipped for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and precision strike missions.
• Highly Agile Fly-by-Wire System: Enables exceptional manoeuvrability and low pilot workload.
• Composite-Rich Airframe: Over 40% composites reduce weight and improve performance and radar signature.
• Advanced AESA Radar: Provides superior tracking, electronic jamming resistance, and multi-target engagement.
• Beyond Visual Range Engagement: Compatible with Derby, Astra, and other modern BVR missiles.
• High Survivability Suite: Features digital flight controls, redundancy, and modern electronic warfare systems.
• Future-Ready Design: Modular architecture allows upgrades, including new radars, powerful engines, and smart weapon integration.

These capabilities have made Tejas a contender in the international light fighter market, with interest from Malaysia, Argentina, Egypt, Botswana, and several Middle Eastern nations.

Global Hesitation Remains

Still, despite active campaigns, India is yet to secure a large, confirmed Tejas export order. The aircraft’s long development history, evolving operational maturity, and occasional technical setbacks have reportedly made some buyers cautious. The Dubai crash has only added to this hesitation.

For now, Armenia’s reported pause is not a cancellation—but a wait-and-watch moment. Much will depend on the crash investigation outcome, HAL’s response, and India’s reassurances about the Tejas fleet’s safety and performance.

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