Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) chief DK Sunil on Friday reiterated that India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) boasts the best safety record globally, dismissing concerns raised by the recent crash of an LCA Mk-1 at the Dubai Airshow. Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit, Sunil emphasized that the incident, which occurred on November 21 and resulted in the death of pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal, was an “isolated occurrence arising out of exceptional circumstances.”

“There is absolutely no problem with Tejas. It’s a wonderful aircraft and it’s absolutely safe. Its safety record is the best in the world. What we saw in Dubai was an unfortunate incident,” Sunil said, addressing questions about whether the crash could affect India’s fighter ambitions.

Background of the Dubai Crash

HAL had informed Indian stock exchanges on November 24 that the crash would not impact the company’s business operations or future deliveries. The Dubai incident was the second involving India-built single-engine Tejas jets since the aircraft’s induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in July 2016. The earlier crash occurred on March 12, 2024, near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, during a tri-services exercise; the pilot ejected safely.

Both incidents involved the Mk-1 variant, the initial operational clearance (IOC) and final operational clearance (FOC) configurations, which formed the early squadrons of the IAF’s Tejas fleet. Currently, the IAF operates two Mk-1 squadrons, each comprising 16–18 aircraft.

Tejas Development and Future Prospects

Sunil underscored the progress made in India’s indigenous defense technology, highlighting that the Tejas Mk-1A, the latest advanced variant, represents a 4.5-generation aircraft equipped with modern capabilities. He acknowledged that every country faces challenges while developing indigenous platforms, but expressed confidence in the aircraft’s performance and international competitiveness.

The IAF has placed two orders totaling 180 Mk-1A aircraft, valued at ₹1.1 lakh crore, to strengthen its fighter fleet. The first order for 83 jets was inked in February 2021, and the second for 97 jets in September 2025. Deliveries for the first batch are expected in the coming months, while the second batch will be delivered between 2027-28 and 2033-34.

Sunil affirmed that these timelines and contracts remain unaffected by the Dubai incident. He also highlighted the potential for exports, indicating confidence in the aircraft’s global appeal.

HAL’s Assurance and Ongoing Investigation

HAL emphasized its full cooperation with investigative agencies and committed to keeping stakeholders informed of any material developments. “We would like to assure that there is no impact on the Company’s business operations, financial performance, or future deliveries. The Company is extending its full support and cooperation to the agencies conducting the investigation into the Dubai crash,” HAL said in its stock exchange clarification.

Conclusion

Despite the high-profile Dubai crash, HAL and the IAF remain confident in the Tejas program. The aircraft’s strong safety record, ongoing development of the Mk-1A variant, and plans for both domestic induction and international exports reaffirm India’s strides toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Sunil’s comments underscore HAL’s commitment to maintaining operational safety, technological advancement, and uninterrupted production schedules for one of India’s most significant indigenous fighter programs.