Tejas Absolutely Safe, Will Export To The World: HAL Chief Exudes Confidence After Dubai Air Show Crash

The crash of a Tejas aircraft at the recently concluded Dubai Air Show 2025 was not just tragic one of the rarest events in the history of the jet. Amid concerns triggered by the November 21, 2025 Dubai Air Show mishap, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and MD DK Sunil has reitirated that the indigenous fighter remains one of the safest light combat aircraft in the world.

The crash was only the second ever in the history of HAL-manufactured Tejas aircraft. Calling the Dubai tragedy an “unfortunate incident” that does not reflect any design or performance flaw, the HAL MD assuaded fears, stressing “there is absolutely no problem with the Tejas.”

“It is absolutely safe, and its safety record is the best in the world,” Sunil said at the ANI National Security Summit on Friday (November 28, 2025), stressing that the accident would have “no impact on the future of Tejas.”

Tejas crash: Is HAL facing setback after the Dubai accident?

Worth mentioning here is that the Dubai crash claimed the life of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, marking only the second accident involving Tejas in a decade of operational service. The earlier crash in Jaisalmer last year saw the pilot eject safely. Just a few days after the accident, HAL, in a statement, noted that the incident is “an isolated occurrence arising out of exceptional circumstances.”

The HAL MD too expressed his sorrow over the Tejas crash in Dubai and addressed speculation that the incident could slow HAL’s momentum or export ambitions. Sunil dismissed such concerns as “noise” driven largely by online commentary. “This comes up whenever there is an indigenous product. There are bound to be some failures, and everyone on social media considers themselves an expert,” he said.

HAL MD Sunil pointed out that HAL’s track record includes successful platforms such as the HTT-40 trainer aircraft and multiple helicopter programs that are operating across the country. The armed forces, he said, have full confidence in HAL’s capabilities. “There is no self-doubt in the armed forces or the industry. Tejas is a resounding success,” he emphasised.

Will the Dubai Crash impact Tejas exports?

Despite the incident, HAL remains committed to expanding Tejas’ global footprint. Sunil said exports are a natural next step as India positions itself as a defence manufacturing hub. “It is the policy of the government that we should become global… We have an order for 180 aircraft, and we will have an export market for this,” he noted.

Tejas has already attracted interest from several countries, and HAL is banking on India’s growing diplomatic outreach and defence partnerships to push the aircraft overseas. He even called the development of the 4.5 generation aircraft domestically a “matter of pride.”

What challenges does the Tejas programme still face?

While Tejas is now seen as a mature and combat-ready platform, the programme has faced delays in the past, particularly due to late engine deliveries from GE Aerospace. These issues slowed production timelines but are now being addressed through expanded supply chains and long-term agreements.

Overall, the Dubai crash has renewed public debate but has not shaken India’s defence leadership or undermined HAL’s confidence. With strong domestic orders, proven capability, and growing export interest, Tejas remains central to India’s push for defence self-reliance and global presence.