The recent crash of an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet at an air show in Dubai has sparked a wave of speculation on social media, with many users labeling the mishap a failure of India’s flagship defense export platform.
On Sunday (November 23, 2025), an IAF team arrived in Dubai to conduct a joint investigation with the UAE authorities. Although no evidence of foul play has yet emerged, online discussions have intensified, calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
Several hashtags gained attention and spread theories of sabotage and outside intervention. A fabricated social media post also claimed that an oil leak was detected on the Tejas before the flight. However, PIB Fact Check clarified that the allegation was false and said that the fluid seen in the video was part of a routine discharge process and not a technical fault.
A senior official monitoring disinformation campaigns said many accounts – operating from neighboring countries – were found to be misleading reports of the crash. Increased military cooperation between China and Pakistan, particularly in defense technology, was also frequently mentioned in online discussions surrounding the incident.
Aviation experts, however, cautioned against jumping to conclusions until a joint investigative report is released.
“The IAF has full confidence in the aircraft; that’s why they fly it. The only problem is HAL’s inability to meet delivery deadlines. If we can’t meet our own deadlines, how can we export?” said Air Vice Marshal Anil Golani (retd), director general of the Center for Air Power Studies (CAPS).
A flawless record
Air Force Vice Marshal Golani added that incidents during development or the initial phase of deployment are not uncommon. “Tejas has an impeccable record. It was launched in 2016 and has not had a single incident till 2024. Its safety record is excellent.”
Regarding the export potential of the Tejas, he said India needs to prioritize domestic requirements first. “Our first priority should be to fulfill our own needs. The IAF has already placed orders for 220 Tejas aircraft. There are many powers in the world trying to pull India back.”
According to the Ministry of Defence, India’s domestic defense production has reached a record ₹1,27,434 crore in the fiscal year 2023–24, up 174% over 2014–15. India now exports military equipment to more than 100 countries, including the United States, France and Armenia. Defense PSUs accounted for 77% of total production, while the private sector contributed 23%.
With the retirement of its last MiG-21 squadrons – 23 Panthers and 3 Cobras – the IAF’s strength was reduced to 29 fighter squadrons, the lowest since the 1960s, from the authorized 42.
To bridge the gap, the force relies heavily on Tejas phase induction. The aircraft is currently serving with the 45th Flying Daggers and 18th Flying Bullets at Sulur, with another squadron planned.
The modernized Tejas Mk-1A, with advanced radar, improved electronic warfare systems and improved maintenance, is expected to significantly enhance the IAF’s capabilities. However, delivery delays continue. In February, IAF Air Chief Marshal AP Singh criticized HAL for slipping flight schedules.
“Hungry mouths are ready, we are waiting for food,” he said, stressing that the IAF needs at least 30-40 aircraft every year to maintain optimum squadron strength.
On 17 October, the first flight of the LCA Tejas Mark 1A from the new Nashik production line completed its maiden flight, but is yet to be inducted by the IAF.
Meanwhile, the more advanced LCA Mk-2 is still under development to replace the Mirage-2000, Jaguar and MiG-29 fleets. First conceptualized in 2012, its prototype has been repeatedly delayed and production is now expected around 2026.
Published – 23 Nov 2025 20:28 IST
