The recent crash of India’s Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Airshow has raised concerns about the future of the aircraft, which has been designed to showcase India’s defense capabilities. The cause of the crash is not yet known, but it comes at a time when India is trying to promote the Tejas internationally, following decades of development and facing stiff competition from its rival, Pakistan. Experts indicated that the crash will likely overshadow India’s efforts to sell the Tejas abroad, even as the country mourns the loss of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who died in the incident.
Douglas A. Birkey remarked that such crashes at airshows can harm public perception significantly, portraying a stark failure rather than success. However, he also suggested that while the Tejas may face negative publicity from the crash, it could potentially recover momentum in the long term. Dubai’s airshow is the third largest in the world, and although accidents have become rare, previous incidents did not prevent India from ordering jets like the Sukhoi and MiG-29 after their crashes.
The Tejas program started in the 1980s to replace the older MiG-21s, with 180 advanced Mk-1A variants currently ordered but not yet delivered due to engine supply issues. A former executive from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) stated that the crash delays any potential exports. Target markets for the Tejas included regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with plans to expand operations, such as opening an office in Malaysia in 2023.
However, the Indian Air Force is concerned about its dwindling number of fighter squadrons, which have decreased from 42 to 29. The Tejas was intended as a replacement, but production hiccups are complicating matters. Consequently, India may consider purchasing aircraft from abroad to meet its immediate needs, including additional Rafales and advanced fighters from the U. S. and Russia.
India has long been one of the largest arms importers but is emphasizing the Tejas as a symbol of self-reliance. Despite the historical challenges faced during its development, experts believe the Tejas will play a critical role in fostering a technological and industrial base for future aircraft programs in India.
Both India and Pakistan were well-represented at the airshow, with Pakistan announcing a provisional agreement to enhance its JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. The JF-17 was showcased as “battle-tested,” while the Tejas was more cautiously presented, having not been deployed in recent conflicts due to safety concerns linked to its single-engine design.
With information from Reuters