Tejas crash casts shadow on India's defence export push

NEW DELHI: The unfortunate fatal crash of a Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Air show has thrown a shadow on a concerted drive to push Indian arms exports to the world, with the indigenous aircraft being showcased as an example of home grown technology.

The Tejas, which has emerged from a troubled history filled with delays and technological challenges to a success story with orders for 180 advanced versions being placed by the Indian Air Force, was being demonstrated to potential international buyers at the air show when the crash took place.


The inquiry ordered by the air force will go into reasons behind the crash but its image has suffered a dent, given that the unfortunate accident took place in front of thousands of spectators.

Among countries that India was hoping to pitch the fighter to are Egypt, Armenia and nations in South East Asia. The Tejas has had a good safety record till now, with just one fighter lost prior to this, due to an engine failure.

Given its affordable price tag, an Indian promise to share technology, integrate a variety of weapons and sensors to the platform, and the fact that at least 220 of them would be in service in the coming years, the Tejas has a strong chance of success for smaller nations seeking to enhance air power.

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After decades of shying from it, India made a drastic shift post 2014 to emerge as a weapons exporter, with the government pushing manufacturers to look for global markets. Systems being pushed for exports include rockets, missiles, ammunition, air defence systems, armoured vehicles and drones.

A surge in global demand for explosives and ammunition, fed by ongoing conflicts in Europe and West Asia, has resulted in record Indian defence exports, with the figure crossing Rs 23,622 crore in the 2024-25 FY.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also set a goal to achieve defence exports of Rs 50,000 crore, annually, by 2029. The US, Armenia and France are among India's top destinations for arms, while new markets are emerging in Asia like the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia.