Summarize

Tejas jet is 'absolutely safe': HAL chief after Dubai crash

By Akash Pandey

Nov 28, 2025

04:18 pm

What's the story

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director, D K Sunil, has said that the Tejas fighter jet is "absolutely safe." His statement comes in light of an unfortunate incident at the Dubai Air Show on November 21. The Indian Air Force (IAF)'s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas crashed during a performance, killing the pilot instantly.

Assurance

HAL chief addresses concerns over Tejas's safety

Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit, Sunil stressed that there is "absolutely no problem with the Tejas." He called the aircraft a "wonderful" machine and its safety record "the best in the world." The HAL chief described the Dubai incident as an unfortunate one but assured that it would not affect future plans for Tejas.

Scenario

Confidence in Tejas's future

Sunil expressed his confidence in the future of the 4.5 generation indigenous aircraft, saying "I can absolutely assure you it is an absolutely safe aircraft and it will have no impact on the future of Tejas." He also spoke about how countries evolve and develop their own technology, going through different phases. Despite any naysayers or questions raised, he remains optimistic about Tejas's success.

Export plans

HAL chief discusses Tejas's export potential

Sunil revealed that HAL has orders for 180 jets and is preparing to enter foreign markets as production scales up. He said, "Exports are a logical extension of the capacity we are building. The government wants us to become global, and we will have an export market for this." However, production has been delayed due to slow engine deliveries from GE Aerospace.

Investigation

IAF pilot's death in Dubai crash

Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a Himachal Pradesh native and dedicated fighter pilot, died in the Dubai crash. The single-engine LCA crashed around 2:10pm local time after completing a sweep across the site. The IAF has launched an investigation into the incident to determine its cause. Further details from this inquiry are awaited.