Media: Tejas crash at Dubai Airshow hits India’s defence export ambitions

A fatal crash involving India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Airshow has cast a shadow over the country’s efforts to boost defence exports, according to The Economic Times.

The aircraft, being showcased to potential international buyers, went down in front of thousands of spectators, raising questions about its reliability despite a previously strong safety record.

The Tejas programme, which has faced decades of delays and technological hurdles, had recently seen a major success with the Indian Air Force placing orders for 180 advanced versions.

The aircraft has also been pitched to countries including Egypt, Armenia, and several Southeast Asian nations. Its competitive pricing, promise of technology transfer, and plans for integration of diverse weapons and sensors had made it an attractive option for smaller air forces.

The Indian Air Force has launched an inquiry into the cause of the crash. Prior to this incident, only one Tejas jet had been lost, due to engine failure.

India has pursued a marked shift towards defence exports since 2014, encouraging domestic manufacturers to explore global markets.

In the 2024–25 financial year, defence exports reached a record Rs 23,622 crore, with major buyers including the US, France, and Armenia.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has set an ambitious target of Rs 50,000 crore in annual exports by 2029, with emerging markets in Asia such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

By Aghakazim Guliyev