Tejas Mk-1A Features: What Makes India’s New Fighter Jet More Advanced
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has stated that the crash of the Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Airshow was an isolated event and will not affect its operational commitments or delivery schedule. In a stock exchange filing on Monday, the defence manufacturer said the incident arose from “exceptional circumstances” and confirmed that its production plans and financial performance remain unaffected.
The clarification came hours after HAL’s share price fell nearly nine per cent in early trade, touching a seven-month low of ₹4,205.25 on the BSE. The decline followed the fatal crash involving an Indian Air Force officer during a low-altitude manoeuvre at the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. The aircraft caught fire on impact, prompting a multi-agency investigation.
HAL said it is cooperating fully with authorities, while GE, whose engine powers the Tejas, has also offered support to the inquiry. The Tejas programme remains one of India’s most significant defence manufacturing initiatives under Atmanirbhar Bharat, with expanding orders from the Ministry of Defence.
In February 2021, the government signed a ₹48,000-crore contract with HAL for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets, followed by an initial approval in November 2023 for an additional 97 aircraft valued at over ₹62,370 crore. The Mk-1A variant features enhanced combat capability, including AESA radar, upgraded electronic warfare systems, smart multifunction displays and improved survivability features.
Tejas is designed for ground attack, close-range combat and maritime operations, and is considered one of India’s most advanced indigenous platforms. The aircraft family includes single-seat and twin-seat variants for both the Indian Air Force and Navy.
HAL maintains that the programme continues on schedule despite the Dubai incident and that market sentiment does not reflect long-term prospects for India’s fighter jet manufacturing capability.