Dubai Air Show and Tejas Fighter Jet

During the Dubai Air Show, the Indian Air Force's (IAF) indigenous fighter jet, the Tejas, crashed during an aerial display. The pilot was killed. This incident has shocked both the country and the Air Force. A safety review of the Tejas aircraft is also being felt.

About the Tejas Fighter Jet

• Tejas is India's indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), jointly developed by HAL and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
• It is a state-of-the-art, lightweight, multi-role fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force, and this is only the second accident in its 24 years, highlighting its excellent safety record.

Key Features

• Multi-role fighter jet: Capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions
• State-of-the-art avionics: Glass cockpit, digital fly-by-wire system
• High maneuverability: Low weight and aerodynamic design
• Advanced weapon systems: BVR missiles, laser-guided bombs, 23mm cannon
• Indigenous technology: Use of over 60% indigenous components
• Excellent safety record: Only two accidents in 24 years
• Commendable performance at air shows: Its capabilities recognized internationally

Impact of the accident

• Technical and operational investigation: This accident will lead to a detailed investigation into the Tejas jet's flight safety, display rules, and mission planning. However, initial reports suggest that it is not a technical malfunction, but rather appears to be related to a high-speed and low-altitude error during a flight maneuver (barrel roll).
• Impact on International Image: Tejas is an aircraft with export potential in the international market. The accident may temporarily impact its safety assessment in some countries. However, its strong record will maintain its reliability.
• Impact on Air Force Morale: The loss of a pilot is a significant loss for the Air Force. Such incidents impact morale but also motivate scrutiny and safety improvements.
• Impact on Future Air Show Performances: The height, speed limit, and flight patterns of aerobatic displays at international air shows will now be more strictly prescribed.
• Impact on the Tejas Program: This accident will not impact the program as India's strategic and long-term focus remains on the Tejas project. However, safety audits and demo flight protocols will be improved.