An Indian Air Force fighter jet that domestically manufactured and known as Tejas crashed in the western state of Rajasthan on Tuesday.
This is the first such incident since its induction in the fleet some eight years ago.
Fortunately, the pilot managed to eject safely, as confirmed by the Indian Air Force in an official statement.
The light combat aircraft was integrated into the force’s fleet back in 2016, following prolonged delays in India’s endeavor to modernize its predominantly Soviet-era air force.
Tejas loosely translated into “flame” or “brilliance” in Sanskrit.
This recent crash shatters the safety record of the Tejas, which had remained unblemished since its maiden test flight over two decades ago, according to an Indian Air Force official speaking to Reuters.
According to the media reports, Prime Minister Modi had previously outlined ambitious goals to significantly boost the value of annual defense exports, aiming to surpass $5 billion by 2025, a substantial increase from 2023 levels. To achieve this, his government has been actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to promote the export of the Tejas.
In a significant move toward this objective, the Indian government awarded a lucrative $6 billion contract to state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in 2021, signaling a new chapter for the production of 83 Tejas jets.
Despite its potential for export, the Tejas program has encountered numerous hurdles, including design challenges. Notably, the Indian Navy had previously rejected the aircraft due to concerns over its weight.
