YEREVAN (Web Desk) - Armenia has suspended its planned purchase of Indian-made Tejas fighter jets following the crash of one such aircraft at the Dubai Airshow.
According to media reports, the two countries were negotiating a deal worth $1.2 billion for the purchase of 12 Tejas jets — a deal that would have been Tejas’s first major export contract.
Sources say Armenia’s decision to freeze the purchase will also deal a significant blow to Israel Aerospace Industries, as the Tejas jets are equipped with advanced Israeli-built radar and avionics systems.
The Armenian move is expected to impact not only the aircraft export order but also the supply chain for key components.
Watch: Indian Tejas jet goes down at Dubai Airshow, pilot killed
The decision follows the November 21 crash of the Tejas at the Dubai Airshow, in which the jet was destroyed and the pilot was killed.
The tragic incident reportedly prompted Armenia to re-evaluate the deal and suspend further procurement.
A dramatic crash occurred at the Dubai Airshow when an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet went down during an aerobatic display.
According to Indian media reports, the jet, which was showcasing its capabilities, experienced a technical malfunction mid-flight.