Overview
- HAL told Reuters the Tejas crash during a Dubai Airshow demonstration was a one-off event caused by exceptional circumstances and should not affect its business or future supplies.
- The Indian Air Force pilot was killed in the accident, with RIA Novosti identifying him as Squadron Commander Namansh Syal.
- The Economic Times, cited by TASS, reported that the incident has harmed the IAF’s reputation and could complicate prospective Tejas exports.
- Experts quoted by The Economic Times suggested a possible loss of aircraft balance, though the cause remains under investigation.
- Tejas, developed by HAL and inducted into the IAF in 2015, has been promoted to buyers such as Armenia, Egypt and Southeast Asian countries as India pursues higher defense production and export targets.