Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 24: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Monday described the Tejas fighter jet crash at the Dubai Airshow as an “isolated incident caused by exceptional circumstances”, assuring investors that the mishap would not impact its business operations, financial performance, or delivery schedules.
In a regulatory filing, the defence PSU said it is fully cooperating with all investigative agencies probing the accident, which claimed the life of an Indian Air Force officer and occurred during a low-altitude manoeuvre on Friday at Al Maktoum International Airport.
The market reacted sharply to the news, with HAL shares tumbling nearly 9% in early trade and touching a seven-month low of Rs 4,205.25 on the BSE before stabilising later in the day.
About the Aircraft and Ongoing Inquiry
The Tejas—India’s indigenously developed single-engine, 4.5-generation multirole combat aircraft—is designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by HAL. The crashed jet was powered by a GE-manufactured engine, and the US company has also offered assistance for the investigation.
Tejas Programme: A Cornerstone of India’s Fighter Fleet
Tejas remains central to the Indian Air Force’s modernization plans.
• In 2021, the Defence Ministry signed a ?48,000-crore contract for 83 Tejas Mk-1A fighters.
• In 2023, it granted initial approval for an additional ?62,370-crore order for 97 more aircraft.
Built for versatility, Tejas can execute offensive air support, close combat, and ground-attack missions across both land and maritime theatres.
Its latest variant, the LCA Mk1A, incorporates significant upgrades including:
• AESA radar
• Advanced electronic warfare suite with radar warning & jamming
• Smart multifunction displays
• Digital map generator
• Combined interrogator-transponder unit
• Modern radio altimeter
The Tejas family includes single-seat fighters and twin-seat trainers for both the IAF and the Indian Navy.