India’s Tejas fighter jet crashed at the Dubai Airshow, dealing a significant setback to the nation’s flagship defence program. The incident occurred in front of global arms buyers, including representatives from rival nation Pakistan.
The cause of Friday’s crash remains unknown. The aircraft was piloted by Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who died in the accident.
Aviation experts called the public nature of the crash a major blow. “The imagery is brutal,” said Douglas A. Birkey of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.
He explained that air shows are designed to showcase national achievements. A crash, however, signals dramatic failure. Despite the negative publicity, Birkey believes the program can regain momentum. He noted that fighter sales are often driven by high-level political deals that can overcome a one-off incident.
#Tejas pilot attempted to regain control and save the aircraft instead of saving his life. Aircraft's engine likely had a compressor stall due to sustained high G turns. Prayers with the family. pic.twitter.com/7NNJpXNYDu
— Aditya Khullar (@AdityaKKhullar) November 21, 2025The state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has a large domestic order for 180 Tejas jets. However, production faces delays due to engine supply chain issues. A former HAL executive stated the crash “rules out exports for now.” The company’s immediate focus will shift to fulfilling orders for the Indian Air Force.
Read: Indian Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes at Dubai Airshow, Pilot Killed
The Indian military faces its own challenges. Its fighter squadron strength has fallen below the required level. The Tejas was intended to replace ageing jets like the MiG-21, which was recently retired.
The airshow highlighted the ongoing competition between India and Pakistan. Pakistan promoted its JF-17 Thunder fighter, co-developed with China, as “battle-tested.”
In contrast, the Tejas has not seen active combat. India has been cautious in its deployment. Long-term, analysts say the Tejas’s true value may lie in its foundation. The program builds the industrial and technological base necessary for India’s future combat aircraft development.
