Tejas Safety Record Unmatched, Says HAL Chief Amid Dubai Crash Investigation
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) CEO DK Sunil has asserted that the Tejas light combat aircraft boasts the best safety record globally. The statement comes as investigators probe the crash of a Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Airshow on November 21, which resulted in the demise of Wing Commander Namansh Syal. The incident marked the second crash involving the India-built single-engine fighter jet since its induction into the Indian Air Force in July 2016. Sunil attributed the crash to 'exceptional circumstances' and assured that it would not deter the company's progress. HAL has reported no impact on its business operations or future deliveries, citing an order for 180 LCA Mk-1As and potential export markets for the aircraft. The Tejas has undergone significant development, transforming into a 4.5-generation aircraft with cutting-edge capabilities. The state-run plane maker has received two separate orders for 180 Mk-1As, worth ₹1.1 lakh crore, to bolster the IAF's fighter fleet. While the first contract for 83 jets is expected to be executed within the next four to five years, the second contract for 97 aircraft is slated for delivery between 2027-28 and 2033. HAL has pledged full cooperation with the investigation agencies and assured stakeholders that the company's business operations and financial performance remain unaffected. The IAF is set to induct an advanced variant of the Tejas, the LCA Mk-1A, and is confident that the aircraft's safety record will continue to be a key factor in its success.
