Tejas Fighter Jet: Analysis of Recent Crashes and Safety Record Following Dubai Air Show Incident

An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during the Dubai Air Show today, marking only the second tragic incident involving this indigenous aircraft in over 24 years since its inaugural test flight in 2001. The first Tejas crash occurred in Rajasthan during a training mission, where the pilot successfully ejected and no ground casualties were reported.

In today's Dubai incident, tragically, the pilot was unable to eject and lost his life in the crash.

The initial Tejas accident happened on March 12, 2024, when the aircraft departed on a training sortie in Jaisalmer. At approximately 2 pm, the jet crashed into the grounds of a student hostel near Lakshmi Chand Sanwal Colony. Witnesses reported a powerful explosion followed by the wreckage bursting into flames.

The Indian Air Force confirmed the pilot's ejection from the aircraft. A witness observed the pilot ejecting and deploying his parachute shortly afterward.

Footage later emerged showing the unmanned aircraft gliding at low altitude, moving across the camera frame before crashing with its landing gear deployed. The video captured the pilot opening his parachute and descending toward the ground.

Following this incident, a Court of Inquiry was established to determine the cause of the accident.

The March 2024 crash had raised safety concerns within military aviation circles. However, senior leadership at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer, dismissed such concerns. DK Sunil, CMD at HAL, told NDTV that the Tejas maintained an exemplary safety record and confirmed that all 40 Tejas aircraft from previous orders remained in good operational condition.

He emphatically described the aircraft as "absolutely safe."

The Tejas, a light combat aircraft, joined the Indian Air Force fleet in 2016. The No. 45 Squadron, known as the 'Flying Daggers,' was the first to operate it, followed by the No. 18 Squadron in 2020. This multi-role fighter is designed for offensive air support and close combat support during ground operations. Notable for being the smallest and lightest aircraft in its class, its compact dimensions and extensive use of composite materials contribute significantly to its reduced weight.