The recent crash of a Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) at the Dubai Airshow on November 21, 2025, has cast a shadow over India's efforts to boost its defense exports. The incident, which resulted in the tragic death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, occurred during an aerial display in front of a global audience of potential buyers and military reporters. This setback comes at a critical time when the Indian government is aggressively pursuing its goal of achieving $5 billion in annual defense exports by 2025, scaling to ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
The Tejas LCA, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft designed for air defense, offensive air support, and close combat operations. It has been touted as a symbol of India's growing capabilities in defense manufacturing under the "Make in India" initiative. The aircraft has been offered as a compelling alternative to countries seeking to reduce their dependence on traditional arms suppliers.
While the Indian Air Force (IAF) has ordered 180 improved Tejas Mark-1A jets, deliveries are delayed due to pending weapon trials and supply chain issues. Concerns about HAL's ability to meet deadlines have also been raised, with the Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh expressing a lack of confidence in the company earlier in 2025.
The Dubai Airshow crash is not the first involving the Tejas. In March 2024, another IAF Tejas Mk1 crashed near Jaisalmer during a routine training sortie, although the pilot ejected safely. While the Tejas program has logged over 12,000 fleet flying hours since its maiden test flight in 2001, two crashes within 20 months raise concerns about the aircraft's reliability and safety.
The crash at the Dubai Airshow has raised questions about the Tejas's reliability, quality control, competence, and readiness to compete in the global fighter market. Potential buyers, particularly smaller air forces in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, prioritize performance assurance, life-cycle costs, after-sales support, and crash histories. The incident could lead some countries to delay purchases or wait for the inquiry report, while others might avoid the controversy associated with the accident.
Despite this setback, the Tejas remains a strong contender in the light fighter export market, appealing to nations seeking non-aligned, affordable, and modern combat platforms. The aircraft has a clear upgrade path, strong avionics, and a good safety record prior to the recent accidents.
India's defense export ambitions face several challenges, including technological gaps, dependence on Public Sector Units (PSUs), and geopolitical risks. To achieve its export targets, India needs to address ethical exporting, quality control, deeper R&D investments, and greater private sector inclusion. Despite these challenges, India's defense exports have been on the rise, reaching an all-time high of USD $2.76 billion in FY 2024-25. The country now exports defense products to over 100 countries worldwide.
