Jet crash in Dubai puts India’s export plans at risk

A tragedy unfolded before the eyes of visitors at the Dubai Airshow when a Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration of its flying capabilities. Indian Air Force pilot Namansh Syal died in the incident and was cremated in India with full military honors.

India has been developing its light, single-engine Tejas fighter jet since 1983 as part of its effort to replace the outdated Soviet MiG-21s and move toward greater self-reliance in defense. However, the project has taken much longer than expected, and the Indian Air Force still does not have enough Tejas aircraft to meet its needs, as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the jet’s manufacturer, has struggled with production delays and engine supply problems.

The recent crash is also likely to affect India’s potential export prospects, as it has undoubtedly damaged the jet’s public image. Nonetheless, analysts note that major fighter purchases usually depend on broader political and strategic factors, and that industrial challenges pose a bigger threat to the Tejas program than a single public failure. Additionally, as the Indian Air Force continues to grapple with an ageing fleet, its demand for domestically produced fighters outweighs any export ambitions, ensuring that HAL will have orders for years to come.

Maintaining a modern fleet of advanced combat aircraft is crucial for India, especially given its long-standing rivalry with Pakistan. In May 2025, the two countries were involved in renewed clashes, including the largest air combat engagement in years.