Tejas: Vital vanguard – The Hindu

The crash of the Tejas Mk-1 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) at the Dubai Air Show on November 21, resulting in the tragic death of Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal, has sparked an intense debate on the capabilities of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and the government’s commitment to indigenous defense manufacturing.

However, both HAL and IAF officials maintain that the Tejas platform remains one of the safest contemporary fighter aircraft in its class. Raising the concerns at an event in Delhi on Friday, HAL chairman and managing director DK Sunil strongly defended the jet’s track record. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with Tejas; it is absolutely safe and its safety record is the best in the world. What you saw in Dubai was an unfortunate incident,” he said.

Aviation experts echoed this view and advised against drawing premature conclusions. They note that modern fighter jet operations inherently involve risks and that individual incidents must be considered in context. Many believe that the Dubai crash is unlikely to impact Tejas’ growing export potential.

The Dubai crash marks the second Tejas crash in less than two years. In March 2024, a Tejas fighter jet crashed in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan; this was the first accident in the aircraft’s 23-year flying history. The Tejas had a flawless record since the first test flight in 2001.

The long interval without major accidents has significantly strengthened confidence in the domestic program that has been developed since the early 1980s.

The LCA is designed to replace the aging MiG-21 fleet that has served as the backbone of the IAF for decades. Over the years the program has evolved through extensive testing, system upgrades and technological breakthroughs.

Today, the Tejas family includes several variants: the Mk1, Mk1A and the under-development Mk2, as well as trainer and naval versions. The Mk1 is the first production model currently operated by the IAF; The Mk1A represents a significant technological breakthrough with its AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare package, beyond-visual range missile capacity, air refueling system and reduced radar cross-section.

Smallest and lightest

Tejas is the world’s smallest and lightest supersonic fighter aircraft in its class. It features a delta wing configuration and a quad digital flight control system, as well as advanced flight control laws designed to increase maneuverability.

The aircraft, which has a maximum payload capacity of 4,000 kg and a maximum take-off weight of 13,300 kg, is primarily designed for air combat and offensive air support missions, while reconnaissance and anti-ship roles are also used as secondary capabilities. The IAF currently flies the Mk1 with squadrons of No. 45 Flying Daggers and No. 18 Flying Bullets at Sulur Air Force Station, with additional units planned in the coming years. A major milestone for the program occurred in March 2024, when the first mass-production Mk1A completed its inaugural flight. HAL has since commissioned three dedicated production lines, two in Bengaluru and one in Nashik, to meet the growing domestic and export demand.

Beyond the Mk1A, the more advanced Tejas Mk2 is in development. Designed in 2012 as a 4.5-generation fighter jet to replace the Mirage-2000, Jaguar and MiG-29 fleets, the Mk2 has suffered repeated delays and its first prototype is now expected around 2026. The Mk2 is expected to be the most capable domestic fighter aircraft once it becomes operational.

Despite Dubai’s recent setback, aviation analysts argue that the Tejas program represents a significant technological achievement and a critical pillar of India’s aviation ecosystem.

The coming months, especially the findings of the Dubai crash investigation, will be crucial. But for now, HAL and the IAF are adamant that Tejas remains a safe, reliable and strategically vital platform for India’s air combat capability.