-Caption:Defense Express highlights Tejas absence amid safety andreliability concerns
ISLAMABAD: A Ukraine-based defence analysis website has drawn attention tothe notable absence of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas fromthe Republic Day flypast scheduled for January 26, 2026, linking it torecent incidents that have raised serious questions about the platform’ssafety record and operational readiness. The report from Defense Expresssuggests that the exclusion reflects deeper issues within India’smuch-publicised fighter development programme, especially following ahigh-profile crash during an international airshow.
The article, titled in a manner emphasising the fallout from the DubaiAirshow 2025 incident, points out that the Tejas fighter suffered acatastrophic crash while performing a demonstration flight, resulting inthe loss of the pilot and significant damage to the aircraft’s image. Thisevent, occurring in November 2025, has been described as dealing asubstantial blow to the reputation of what India promotes as a keyachievement in self-reliant defence manufacturing.
Defense Express further argues that the non-inclusion in the prestigiousRepublic Day aerial display fuels ongoing doubts regarding the Tejas’sreliability, particularly its accident-prone history and questions overengine performance and overall dependability in critical scenarios. Theoutlet notes that despite being positioned as the pride of Indian aviation,the aircraft has been sidelined from the ceremonial event that showcasesthe nation’s military prowess.
In contrast to previous years where Tejas variants occasionally featured inparades, the 2026 lineup reportedly includes twin-engine fighters such asthe Su-30MKI and Rafale, along with other platforms like the P-8I maritimepatrol aircraft, C-295 transport planes, MiG-29s, Apache attackhelicopters, Prachand light combat helicopters, Dhruv advanced lighthelicopters, and Mi-17 utility helicopters. The conspicuous omission of thesingle-engine Tejas stands out amid this diverse display.
The Ukrainian website interprets this decision as indicative of decliningofficial confidence in the Tejas programme, especially given the aircraft’sdevelopmental delays, production bottlenecks, and past incidents includingearlier crashes during testing phases. It highlights how such exclusionscould impact perceptions of India’s push for defence exports and indigenoustechnology self-sufficiency.
Official Indian responses, including statements from the Defence Secretary,have avoided directly addressing the Dubai crash as a factor, insteademphasising that selections prioritise platforms demonstrating the highestcapabilities for the ceremonial role. However, Defense Express views theseexplanations as evasive, suggesting they mask underlying concerns aboutsingle-engine fighter risks in low-altitude operations over denselypopulated areas like New Delhi’s Kartavya Path.
The report also draws parallels to broader challenges faced by the TejasMk1A variant, which is still undergoing induction into the Indian Air Forcesquadrons with limited numbers operational so far. Persistent issuesrelated to supply chain dependencies, particularly on foreign componentslike engines, have contributed to slower rollout and heightened scrutinyfrom international observers.
Read Top Stories
Critics referenced in the article point to the Tejas’s mixed track record,including multiple technical malfunctions during trials and operationalevaluations, which have delayed full-scale deployment. The Dubai incidentis portrayed as the latest in a series of setbacks that undermine claims ofthe aircraft being a mature and battle-ready platform.
Defense Express concludes that barring the Tejas from the Republic Dayflypast, traditionally a platform for highlighting national technologicaladvancements, sends a subtle but clear message about lingeringuncertainties in its performance envelope. This development comes at a timewhen India seeks to position the Tejas as a viable export option to variouscountries, amid competition from established manufacturers.
The article’s framing aligns with broader geopolitical narratives, wherescrutiny of rival defence programmes often serves strategic interests,particularly in the context of ongoing global conflicts and alliances. Byamplifying these points, the Ukrainian outlet contributes to internationaldiscourse questioning the efficacy of India’s indigenous aerospace efforts.
Overall, the Defense Express piece underscores how a single high-visibilityincident combined with procedural exclusions can amplify perceptions ofvulnerability in emerging defence technologies, potentially affectingdiplomatic and commercial engagements in the military aviation sector.
Source:https://en.defence-ua.com/news/indiastejasfightercrashesatdubaiairshownowbannedfromrepublicdayparadeflyover-17232.html
ogimage_image-name