LCA Tejas

27.11.2025

LCA Tejas
 

Context
The LCA Tejas crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show in November 2025, resulting in the death of Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal.

About LCA Tejas
LCA Tejas is an indigenous 4.5-generation, all-weather, multi-role light combat aircraft, a key component of the Indian Air Force’s fighter fleet modernization. It was designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the Light Combat Aircraft programme.

Evolution and Features:

• Conceived in the 1980s as a replacement for the MiG-21, Tejas made its first flight in 2001 and was inducted into the IAF in 2016.
• It has evolved into improved variants such as Tejas Mk-1 and Mk-1A, while the more advanced Mk-2 version is under development.
• Noted for being the lightest and smallest in its class, Tejas features a composite airframe for high maneuverability and reduced weight.
• Equipped with 4.5-generation avionics, including AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare suites, digital flight controls, and open architecture mission computer.
• The aircraft has quadruplex fly-by-wire controls ensuring agility and pilot safety and is capable of multi-role operations including air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, beyond visual range missile firing, precision strikes, and maritime strike roles.
• It has in-flight refueling capability extending its operational range.
• Available in single-seat fighter, twin-seat trainer, and Mk-1A with enhanced sensors and survivability.

The crash is widely mourned but is not seen as indicative of the overall safety or capability of the Tejas aircraft. It highlights the challenges of high-performance aerial displays and underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols for demonstration flights. HAL and the IAF continue to work to ensure the reliability and credibility of the Tejas program