The Indian-made HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Airshow, raising concerns about its export potential and highlighting challenges in India’s domestic defence programme.
The cause of the crash on Friday remains unknown, but the incident overshadowed India’s efforts to showcase its home-grown jet to global arms buyers, coming just six months after tensions with regional rival Pakistan.
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Experts say the Tejas programme, developed over four decades, remains crucial for India’s military modernisation, but the Dubai crash may temporarily halt international sales while domestic orders continue to drive production.
Powered by GE engines, the advanced Mk-1A variant faces delivery delays, with 180 jets on order for the Indian Air Force, which is struggling to maintain approved fighter squadron strength amid retiring older aircraft.
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Despite the setback, analysts believe the Tejas will retain long-term significance for India, serving as a technological base for future combat aircraft and demonstrating the country’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Meanwhile, India continues to consider off-the-shelf purchases from France, the U.S., and Russia to fill immediate gaps, while focusing on boosting Tejas production and strengthening its shrinking fighter squadrons.