According to the Jerusalem Post, Armenia stopped negotiations soon after the crash that killed Indian pilot Wing Commander Namash Siyal during the airshow’s final-day display. The country had been preparing to buy 12 Tejas jets worth nearly $1.2 billion, which would have become Tejas’s first international export agreement.

The report states that the deal was in its final stage before the tragic incident. However, the Armenian government has not issued any official confirmation about halting the process. The Indian government has also not yet responded to the report.

The Indian Air Force currently operates several top fighter jets, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Rafale, Mirage, MiG-29 and Tejas. Among them, Tejas stands out due to its largely indigenous design and modern Israeli EL/M-2052 radar, which can track up to 10 targets at the same time.

Read more: Second crash in two years: Indian Tejas fighter jet plummets at Dubai Air Show

The jet can also take off from a short 460-meter runway and weighs only 6,500 kg, making it one of India’s lightest combat aircraft.

The Dubai crash happened during a low-altitude manoeuvre when the jet lost height within seconds and hit the ground. A massive explosion followed, and the pilot died instantly.

Analysts say Armenia’s move shows how sensitive defence deals are to safety issues. A single crash can delay years of negotiations. They also believe India will try to reassure partners that Tejas remains reliable and safe. Export success now depends on how quickly India addresses global concerns.