Tejas Crash in Dubai: IAF Pilot Killed in Fatal Aerial Display Accident

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{ "title": "Tejas Crash in Dubai: IAF Pilot Killed in Fatal Aerial Display Accident", "article": A devastating crash has shaken the Dubai airshow, claiming the life of an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot. The tragedy occurred on Friday during a demonstration flight of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1), a single-engine fighter jet. The pilot, identified as Wing Commander Namansh Syal, 37, from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, was performing low-level aerobatic manoeuvres when the Tejas crashed on the concluding day of the five-day airshow. The incident, which has sent shockwaves across the nation, has left the IAF and the bereaved family in grief. The crash is the second involving the India-built Tejas since its induction by the IAF in July 2016. The incident has raised concerns about the current pace of the LCA Mk-1A programme, which aims to induct an advanced variant of the plane. The IAF is looking to replace its MiG-21 fighter jets with the LCA Mk-1As. Defence minister Rajnath Singh expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, saying, "The nation has lost a brave, dutiful, and courageous pilot." Himachal CM Sukvinder Singh Sukku also paid tribute to the pilot's bravery, dedication to duty, and commitment to national service. The IAF has launched a probe into the incident, and a court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident. The Tejas fighter jet had earlier crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on March 12, 2024, but the pilot had ejected safely. The IAF operates two squadrons of Tejas, with the Mk-1 fleet including the initial operational clearance (IOC) and the final operational clearance (FOC) configurations. The IAF has placed orders for 180 Mk-1As with a combined value of ₹1.1 lakh crore to shore up its fighter fleet. However, the delivery of the first of the 83 jets ordered in 2021 is expected to begin soon, with the contract likely to be executed over the next four to five years. The LCA Mk-1A programme has faced delays in the supply of F404-IN20 engines, but the delivery of engines has now stabilised. The first of the 83 LCA Mk-1As on order is expected to be delivered after the completion of weapon trials, with the first aircraft originally scheduled for delivery in March 2024. The IAF is concerned about the current pace of the programme, as a delay in the induction of new fighters could pose risks to its combat effectiveness. }