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Tejas Fighter Jet Catches Fire During Dubai Air Show Practice
A dramatic video has emerged showing India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jet bursting into flames during a practice session at the Dubai Air Show on November 12. The incident has sparked concerns over the aircraft’s safety, even as Indian authorities rush to downplay the mishap.
What Happened?
The viral clip, recorded by an aviation enthusiast, captures the Tejas Mk-1A performing a maneuver when flames suddenly erupt from its underbelly. The pilot managed to land safely, but the footage has raised alarms about the jet’s reliability.
Indian Air Force (IAF) sources claim the fire resulted from a “minor fuel leak”, while Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) insists it was an “isolated incident” unrelated to structural flaws.
Official Responses: Damage Control Efforts
HAL defended the Tejas, highlighting its “impeccable safety record” and stating the fire was quickly contained. The Defense Ministry has launched an investigation to determine if the cause was a technical fault or human error.
An IAF spokesperson said, “High-performance aircraft can face such issues during demonstrations. This doesn’t reflect on the Tejas’ operational readiness.”
Will This Hurt Tejas’ Global Sales?
The timing is critical—India is pushing Tejas exports to countries like Malaysia, Argentina, and Egypt. Analysts warn competitors like Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder or Sweden’s Gripen could exploit the incident.
However, experts note that even advanced jets like the F-35 and Rafale faced similar setbacks during testing. “Transparency and quick fixes are key,” said aviation expert Pushpinder Singh.
Political and Public Reactions
Opposition leaders criticized the Modi government, with Congress calling it a “Make in India failure.” Meanwhile, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed faith in the Tejas, calling it a “national pride” project.
What’s Next for the Tejas Program?
The IAF has 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets on order, with deliveries starting in 2024. HAL is also developing the Mk-2 variant and a navy version. While this incident is embarrassing, experts believe it won’t halt progress—but stricter quality checks are now a priority.
Investigations are ongoing. For now, the Tejas remains central to India’s defense strategy, but this event highlights the risks of cutting-edge aviation.
Stay updated with NextMinuteNews for the latest developments.
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