ISLAMABAD: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has described last week’sTejas fighter jet crash at the Dubai Airshow as an isolated incidentstemming from exceptional circumstances, offering no specifics amid ongoingscrutiny. However some media reports have claimed that incident may havebeen caused by the flight control malfunction which was also reported inthe earlier crash of Tejas in India.
The state-owned manufacturer, which produces the indigenous aircraft,emphasised its commitment to supporting the Indian Air Force’s (IAF)investigation. Powered by General Electric engines, the Tejas symbolisesIndia’s push towards self-reliance in defence technology.
The tragic event unfolded on Friday when the single-seat Light CombatAircraft plummeted during a low-altitude aerobatic manoeuvre, erupting intoa massive fireball before horrified spectators. Wing Commander NamanshSyal, a 34-year-old pilot from Himachal Pradesh, perished in the crash—thefirst fatality for the Tejas in a decade of service. Eyewitness videoscaptured the jet’s desperate descent and failed ejection attempt,amplifying global attention on the incident.
In response, the IAF promptly announced a court of inquiry to probe thecause, with both HAL and GE pledging full cooperation. The crash occurredduring a high-profile display meant to showcase the jet’s capabilities,including its delta-wing agility and advanced avionics. Analysts note thatsuch airshow accidents, while rare, underscore the risks of pushingaircraft to their limits under public gaze.
The Tejas, meaning “brilliance” in Sanskrit, plays a pivotal role inmodernising India’s ageing fleet dominated by Russian-origin fighters. Thissetback dims New Delhi’s export aspirations for the home-built jet,potentially confining production to domestic military needs. It challengesthe narrative of the Tejas as a flawless emblem of “Atmanirbhar Bharat,”even as supporters argue one mishap does not define its overall prowess.
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International reactions highlighted contrasts at the airshow; a US F-16demo team withdrew in respect, criticising organisers for proceeding.Meanwhile, rival displays by Pakistan’s JF-17 drew opportunisticcomparisons, though experts dismiss them as politically motivated. As theinquiry unfolds, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of aviation’sperils and India’s evolving defence landscape.
Source:www.ndtv.com/world-news/tejas-fighter-jet-crash-dubai-air-show-namansh-syal-new-close-up-shots-from-dubai-show-tejas-wreckage-engulfed-in-flames-9680579″>https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/tejas-fighter-jet-crash-dubai-air-show-namansh-syal-new-close-up-shots-from-dubai-show-tejas-wreckage-engulfed-in-flames-9680579