The fatal crash of an Indian Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Air Show has dealt a significant setback to New Delhi’s efforts to promote the aircraft as a reliable, export-ready platform.
India had brought the jet to Dubai to impress foreign delegations and potential buyers, but the aircraft went down during its aerial display, leaving a damaging impression in front of thousands of spectators.
For years, India has showcased the Tejas as a symbol of its push toward indigenous defense production. Despite a troubled development history marked by delays and technical challenges, the aircraft has recently been portrayed as a success after the Indian Air Force placed orders for 180 upgraded variants.
The Dubai demonstration was meant to build confidence among countries India has been targeting for sales, including Egypt, Armenia, and several Southeast Asian nations.
Instead, the crash has raised difficult questions at a critical time. India has worked to position Tejas as an affordable option for smaller air forces, offering technology transfer and flexible configurations as selling points.
Its previously clean safety record, with only one earlier loss due to engine failure, played a major role in that pitch. The incident now complicates India’s broader attempt to expand its defense exports, a campaign it has aggressively pushed since 2014 as part of its shift from arms importer to emerging supplier.
They have far bigger issues then that junk plane.
Dollar rose in india just 2 days ago
Their election commission has been found to be tweaking results
Their pm always runs abroad during any crisis
Their infrastructure is falling apart thanks to minister nitin gatkari claims for last 12 years.
Not to mention their constant lack of manners abroad.