Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Tejas Aircraft Crashes at Dubai Air Show
A Tejas aircraft, made by HAL, crashed during a show in Dubai on 21 November 2025.
The pilot died, and now people are investigating why it happened.
HAL has been making Tejas planes, but they have been late in delivering them.
The Indian Air Force needs more planes, but HAL hasn't been able to give them on time.
There have been delays in getting engines and other parts for the planes.
The crash has made people question how well HAL is doing its job.
Before this, the Tejas had a good safety record with only one other accident.
The investigation will take time to find out what went wrong and how to fix it.
The Tejas program has also seen successes, like the 25th anniversary of its first flight and new orders for more aircraft.
Tejas aircraft crashed at the Dubai air show on 21 November 2025, resulting in the pilot's death.
The accident is under investigation to determine the causes and necessary remedial measures.
HAL's focus on marketing the Tejas with overcommitted deliveries and lack of accountability for delays is questioned.
The indigenous aerospace ecosystem has matured, leading to the production of the Tejas Mk 1 by HAL.
Repeated delivery delays by HAL have raised concerns about its reliability and the acute depletion of the IAF's fighter aircraft inventory.
- Who
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Indian Air Force (IAF)
- What
- Crash of Tejas aircraft and delays in its production
- When
- 21 November 2025
- Where
- Dubai air show
- Why
- Investigation ongoing, reasons and remedial measures under deliberation
HAL's Marketing Focus
Critics' Concerns
Marketing Efforts
HAL's Marketing Focus
HAL has been actively marketing the Tejas aircraft, including at international air shows.
Critics' Concerns
Critics argue that HAL's focus on marketing has led to overcommitted deliveries and a lack of accountability for delays.
Delivery Delays
HAL's Marketing Focus
HAL has secured major orders for the Tejas Mk-1A, indicating confidence in its production capabilities.
Critics' Concerns
Repeated delivery delays by HAL have raised concerns about its reliability and the acute depletion of the IAF's fighter aircraft inventory.
- Date of Crash
- 21 November 2025
- Aircraft Involved
- Tejas
- Manufacturer
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Previous Accidents
- One before this incident
- Current IAF Inventory Status
- Acute depletion
- Delivery Delays
- Repeated failures by HAL
- Engine Delays
- GE F404 engines
- Indigenous Components
- Radar, air-to-air missiles, electronic warfare suite
- First Flight Anniversary
- 25th anniversary on January 4, 2025
- Recent Orders
- 97 additional LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighters
Sources
Operation Sindoor and the Unfinished Business of Defence Reforms
Silver Jubilee in the Skies: IAF Celebrates 25 Years of Tejas’s Historic First Flight
IAF commemorates 25th anniversary of Tejas LCA’s first flight
Focus Shifts to LCA Mk II, AMCA as Tejas Programme Turns 25 Years: DRDO Chief
Tejas at 25: DRDO chief says focus now on LCA Mk II and AMCA
