A fatal crash involving a Tejas Mk-1 Light Combat Aircraft at the Dubai Air Show on November 21 took the life of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal. This incident prompted tough questions on the capabilities of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and India's indigenous defence efforts. However, HAL officials, along with the IAF, assert that the Tejas remains one of the safest fighter jets in its class. HAL chairman and managing director D.K. Sunil said in Delhi, "There is absolutely no problem with Tejas; it is absolutely safe, and its safety record is the best in the world. What you saw in Dubai was an unfortunate incident." Experts agree that flying modern fighters carries risks. They warn against rushing to judgments based on isolated cases. The Dubai crash is unlikely to damage Tejas’ growing export potential. This was the second crash in less than two years. The first was in March 2024 near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, marking the first crash in Tejas’s 23-year history since its maiden flight in 2001. The long accident-free period had boosted confidence in this indigenous programme. Designed to replace old MiG-21 jets, the Tejas has evolved through major upgrades. Variants like the Mk1, Mk1A (with advanced radar and electronic warfare), and the in-development Mk2 exist. The Mk1A is a big leap with AESA radar, missile upgrades, mid-air refuelling, and stealth features. The Tejas is the smallest and lightest supersonic fighter in its class, with a 4,000 kg payload and 13,300 kg max takeoff weight. It is mainly for air combat but can do reconnaissance and anti-ship missions. The IAF flies it in squadrons No. 45 Flying Daggers and No. 18 Flying Bullets at Sulur. HAL runs three production lines to meet rising demand. The Mk2 model, planned since 2012 to replace Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29 jets, faces delays but aims to be India’s most advanced local fighter when ready around 2026. Despite the recent crash, experts call Tejas a big technological win and vital for India. The final investigation results will be key. Meanwhile, HAL and IAF stand by Tejas as a safe, reliable backbone for India’s air force.