Dubai: Analysts have described the recent crash of the Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Air Show as a major setback for India. The incident has sparked discussions about the capabilities of Indian fighter pilots and the effectiveness of their air defense systems. This event has garnered significant attention due to the international presence at the air show and the ongoing global security concerns.

According to Radio Pakistan, AVM (R) Ijaz Malik, a defense analyst, noted that air crashes, similar to accidents, are not uncommon at aviation shows. However, the significance of the Tejas crash is heightened by the current global security landscape. The global defense and aviation industry has been scrutinizing the capabilities of Indian fighter jets, especially given the country’s efforts to replace the aging MIG series with the Tejas. The MIGs have gained notoriety as ‘flying coffins’ due to their history of frequent crashes.

AVM (R) Ijaz Malik suggested that the Indian pilot may have been under psychological pressure following the impressive acrobatic display by Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder a day earlier. He speculated that the pilot attempted maneuvers beyond the Tejas’s capacity, resulting in a loss of control. Malik also mentioned that the ejection seat could not be operated in time due to the aircraft’s proximity to the ground.

AVM (R) Aftab Hussain, another defense analyst, echoed Malik’s sentiments, describing the crash as a significant embarrassment for India. He emphasized that the Dubai Air Show is a major event attended by global aviation leaders and potential buyers of new aircraft. Hussain pointed out that this is not the first instance of an Indian-made aircraft crashing, citing a previous incident during a trial. He explained that the engine failure in the Tejas was irreparable, which prevented the pilot from ejecting.