New Delhi: The recent TEJAS fighter jet crash at the Dubai Air Show, which led to the tragic loss of IAF Wing Commander Namansh Syal, is a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in military aviation. However, this unfortunate incident must not trigger unfair criticism of the Indian Air Force, the pilot, or Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The crash occurred during a high-risk, low-altitude aerobatic manoeuvre, a routine but inherently dangerous component of international air displays. Aviation experts note that such demonstrations push aircraft to their absolute limits.
Despite the incident being the second crash in 23 years of the TEJAS programme, the IAF has not grounded its fleet of 36 TEJAS jets, signalling steadfast confidence in the indigenous fighter’s reliability and performance.
HAL, often scrutinised for slow production rates and dependency on imported components such as General Electric engines, remains a pillar of India’s aviation ecosystem. Instead of levelling blame, India must strengthen HAL through consistent funding, streamlined processes, greater technological collaboration, and firm long-term planning.
India’s air combat roadmap to 2047 requires nearly 450 fourth-generation fighters, including TEJAS Mk-1A, Mk-2, and future platforms such as the AMCA stealth fighter. Meeting these goals demands a robust, efficient HAL functioning in synergy with the IAF and the Ministry of Defence.
A transparent, fact-based investigation into the Dubai crash is already underway under an IAF court of inquiry. Such probes aim to extract lessons, enhance safety protocols, and refine aircraft performance—not to assign blame impulsively.
Globally, even advanced air forces face similar setbacks; the recent US F-16 crash during the Polish Air Show under comparable display conditions underscores that aviation accidents transcend borders and capabilities.
For India, the path forward lies in:
- Strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing,
- Supporting HAL’s long-term modernisation,
- Enhancing self-reliance through sustained R&D, and
- Avoiding knee-jerk reactions that undermine national aerospace ambitions.
The TEJAS crash is a tragedy—but it should reinforce India’s resolve to back its pilots, its technology, and its institutions, not weaken it.
