Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) witnessed a decline of more than 3% in early morning trade after an unfortunate incident involving one of its flagship aircraft. A Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show last week, resulting in the death of the lone pilot. The tragic accident has drawn renewed attention to the aircraft’s safety record, especially since this marks the second crash involving the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft in less than two years.
The Tejas, regarded as India’s key step toward self-reliance in fighter aircraft technology, is a single-engine, 4.5-generation multirole combat jet featuring a delta-wing configuration. It has been developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by HAL for the Indian Air Force. Designed to replace ageing MiG-21 variants, the aircraft is known for its agility, modern avionics, and precision-strike capabilities.
The jet made its maiden flight back in 2001 after years of development and testing. It was officially inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2015, marking a major milestone in India’s aviation and defence manufacturing ecosystem. A year later, the first operational Tejas squadron, No. 45 Squadron IAF — also known as the Flying Daggers — became the first unit to shift from MiG-21 Bisons to the homegrown fighter.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Always conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Author or Business Upturn is not liable for any losses arising from the use of this information.
