Explainer | Second crash in 24-year history – How much does one ‘Tejas’ fighter jet cost?
A Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), manufactured by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), crashed during the Dubai International Air Show at the Al Maktoum Airport, rekindling questions about the aircraft’s safety, reliability and long-term viability.
Visuals from the venue showed thick smoke rising from the crash site, and preliminary reports suggested that the pilot may not have survived, though authorities have not issued an official confirmation.
The accident marks only the second major crash involving a Tejas aircraft in its 24-year developmental and operational history. The first crash occurred on March 12, 2024, during a training sortie in Jaisalmer, when a Tejas jet went down in an open field adjoining a girls’ hostel. The pilot had safely ejected then.
The latest incident, happening on an international stage, has triggered intense debates on social media, with defence analysts and aviation enthusiasts split between defending India’s indigenous fighter programme and calling for deeper structural and technical reviews.
A long journey from development to induction
Tejas completed its first test flight in 2001 and entered the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet in 2016 after decades of development under the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). Over the years, the aircraft has undergone continuous upgrades, including avionics enhancements, weapons integration and aerodynamic refinements.
While the Tejas programme has been hailed as a milestone in India’s push for indigenous defence manufacturing, experts say the recent crash raises concerns about quality control, maintenance cycles and how the aircraft performs in foreign climatic and operational environments such as Dubai.
Massive procurement amid fighter jet shortage
The crash comes at a time when the Ministry of Defence has signed one of the largest indigenous fighter jet procurement deals in Indian history. Earlier this year, the government approved the purchase of 97 Tejas Mk-1A jets for Rs 62,370 crore, marking a significant boost to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ defence manufacturing initiative.
This procurement includes 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seat trainer variants, all of which will be inducted into the IAF. Previously, the Centre had cleared the acquisition of 48 Tejas Mk-1A jets worth Rs 48,000 crore. Together, the IAF is preparing for a 10-squadron structure with nearly 180 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft.
The urgency stems from a critical capability gap. The IAF currently operates only 29 squadrons, far short of the authorised 42 needed to counter the combined air power of Pakistan and China. Against a requirement of 750 operational fighter jets, the force has barely 500. Analysts estimate that India still needs at least 250 additional fighters to maintain strategic parity in the region.
Why the Tejas is considered cost-effective
One of the key advantages of the Tejas has been its significantly lower cost. With the current order valued at Rs 1.10 lakh crore for 180 jets, the per-unit cost averages around Rs 611 crore. In comparison, foreign fighters such as the French Rafale cost over Rs 2,000 crore per aircraft.
India’s earlier Rafale deal in 2016—Rs 58,000 crore for 36 jets—and the more recent agreement of ₹63,000 crore for 26 marine Rafales illustrate the staggering cost difference. Defence experts note that one Marine Rafale equals the cost of nearly four Tejas aircraft, a factor that has strengthened India’s push toward indigenous platforms.
Three variants and advanced capabilities
India currently operates three variants in the Tejas family—Tejas Mk-1, Tejas Mk-1A and the upcoming Tejas Mk-2. Production for the Mk-1 and Mk-1A is already underway, while Mk-2 is nearing the manufacturing stage.
The Mk-1A version includes multiple upgrades such as the Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA radar, an improved electronic warfare suite with jammer pods, and advanced Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat capability. It is classified as a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter with all-weather operational readiness.
Just a month ago, HAL conducted a successful test flight of the Tejas Mk-1A at its Nashik production facility—an achievement that had boosted confidence in the indigenous fighter programme.
Crash casts a shadow, but long-term commitment remains
The Dubai crash has undoubtedly cast a temporary shadow over India’s showcase fighter jet, especially given the global stage on which it occurred. However, defence officials maintain that the Tejas programme will continue, with crash investigations expected to focus on technical glitches, pilot inputs, climatic variables or mechanical failure.
The IAF and HAL are likely to conduct a detailed probe, the outcome of which will influence future international demonstrations and export prospects.
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