DUBAI – An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) has reportedly crashed during an aerobatic performance at the Dubai Air Show today, in a significant setback for India’s defence export ambitions. The incident occurred in full view of a global audience, casting a shadow over the country’s showcase of its indigenous fighter.
Initial reports indicate the pilot ejected safely and is in stable condition.
The Dubai Air Show Incident
According to eyewitnesses, the single-engine fighter was performing a series of complex, high-G manoeuvres intended to demonstrate its superior agility. During the display, the aircraft appeared to lose control before crashing in a deserted area near the air show grounds.
A spokesperson for the Indian delegation confirmed the crash and the pilot’s safe ejection. “Our primary concern is the well-being of our pilot,” the official stated. “A Court of Inquiry has been immediately ordered to ascertain the cause of the incident.”
Impact on India’s ‘Make in India’ Ambitions
The crash is a major blow to the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative. The Dubai Air Show is a critical platform for securing international defence contracts, and the Tejas was being aggressively marketed to several nations.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the aircraft’s manufacturer, had been hopeful of securing the first-ever export order for the Tejas. Countries including the Philippines, Argentina, and Egypt had expressed interest in the advanced Mk-1A variant as a cost-effective alternative to other global fighters. This public failure on an international stage could severely damage the program’s credibility and jeopardise potential deals.
Investigation into the Crash
Speculation is mounting over the cause of the crash, with possibilities ranging from technical malfunction or structural failure to pilot error. The investigation will focus on recovering the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) to determine the sequence of events leading to the incident.
The findings of the Court of Inquiry will be closely watched not only by the Indian defence establishment but by every potential foreign customer who was considering adding the Tejas fighter jet to their fleet. While the pilot’s safety is a relief, the path to restoring the Tejas program’s international reputation will be challenging.
