Tejas Fighter Jet: When Did the First Crash Happen? India Confirms Two Major Incidents Since 2016

India’s homegrown Tejas fighter jet has once again come under scrutiny after a dramatic crash at the Dubai Air Show. This marks the second major accident involving the aircraft since its induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2016.

The first Tejas crash occurred in 2024 in Rajasthan, making the recent Dubai incident the second time the jet has gone down. In both cases, the pilots managed to eject safely, highlighting the reliability of the emergency systems even as concerns grow about the aircraft’s overall performance.

—includingDeveloped by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with the Aeronautical Development Agency, the Tejas is a cornerstone of India’s push to replace ageing Soviet-era jets and boost domestic defense manufacturing. Despite its promise, the aircraft has faced several hurdles — including earlier criticism from the Indian Navy for being heavier than required.

The Modi government has strongly backed the Tejas program as part of its defense modernization strategy, awarding a $6 billion deal in 2021 for 83 jets and setting ambitious export goals. But with two crashes in quick succession, questions are rising about the jet’s safety, reliability, and future global appeal.

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