India’s Tejas fighter jet programme has come under renewed scrutiny after the domestically built aircraft crashed during a flying display at the Dubai Air Show. This marks the second major incident involving Tejas, following a 2024 crash in Rajasthan. The aircraft has been part of the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet since 2016.
According to the IAF, the pilot managed to eject safely, highlighting the strength of emergency systems. However, the latest accident has intensified questions about the aircraft’s safety, reliability, and future role in India’s defence strategy.
Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency, is a light combat aircraft designed to modernize India’s ageing fleet of Soviet-era jets. Despite being promoted as a major success of India’s defence manufacturing push, the programme has faced long delays, cost escalations, and performance concerns. The Indian Navy previously rejected the naval variant for being too heavy for carrier operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has set ambitious targets to boost defence exports to $5 billion by 2025, with Tejas positioned as a flagship export product. The government approved a $6 billion deal in 2021 to procure 83 Tejas jets, aiming to strengthen both the domestic fleet and India’s global defence footprint.
The back-to-back crashes, however, have raised doubts about the aircraft’s future and the credibility of India’s indigenous fighter jet programme. As investigations continue, defence experts warn that restoring global confidence will be crucial for India’s export plans and long-term aviation goals.
