Save Our Pak
New Delhi: New information has surfaced about why the Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during the Dubai Airshow.
According to Indian media, the Tejas aircraft went down and was completely destroyed while performing an afternoon flight demonstration. The pilot did not survive the crash.
The Indian Air Chief said that some defence systems “will never arrive” yet contracts are still signed for them. He added that Operation Sundoor should be an eye-opener for India’s defence leadership.
The report highlights that Tejas has faced several technical problems during its development. Issues like panel misalignment, leakages, and strong vibrations were repeatedly reported. The locally made engine failed, and even the GE engine faced compatibility problems with the airframe. Major technical challenges such as thrust imbalance, load balancing complications, and heat-related stress were also recorded. The jet also showed stability issues at low speed and conflicts with the autopilot system appeared early on.
The Tejas fighter jet showcased at the Dubai Airshow was locally manufactured, and according to reports, the crash happened due to these persistent faults. Indian Air Chief A.P. Singh had already spoken in the past about corruption inside defence contracts.
A.P. Singh also said that deadlines in India’s defence projects “are always missed,” and no major project is completed on time.
Five facts about the Tejas fighter jet
• Tejas is a single-seat fighter aircraft, although the Air Force also uses a two-seat trainer version. The Indian Navy operates a twin-seat variant as well.
• The first test flight of the Technology Demonstrator-1 took place in 2001. The first flight of the second series-production Tejas in Initial Operational Clearance configuration happened on 22 March 2016.
• The Tejas can carry up to 4,000 kilograms of payload while operating as a single-engine fighter. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 13,300 kilograms.
• The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter designed for offensive air support and close-combat missions for ground operations.
• The first IAF squadron to induct the Tejas in 2016 was No. 45 Squadron, known as the “Flying Daggers.” It is considered the smallest and lightest aircraft in its class due to its compact size and high use of composite materials.
In a major boost to the “Make in India” defence program, the Indian government approved the purchase of 97 LCA Tejas Mark-1A jets for the Air Force this August.
Reported by Save Our Pak
