Key Takeaways

  • The Indian Air Force HAL Tejas light combat aircraft crashed during a flying display at the Dubai Airshow 2025.
  • The single-engine fighter went down at around 14:10 local time while performing an aerobatic routine.
  • A court of inquiry is being set up to determine the cause of the accident.
HAL Indian Air Force

Strategic Implications

This incident may indicate concerns about the Tejas program’s reliability and safety. The crash could impact India’s plans to export the aircraft, potentially affecting HAL’s production lines. The Indian Air Force’s decision to suspend flying displays following the crash suggests a cautious approach to managing risk.