Dubai. Analysis has begun on the possible impact of the crash of India’s light combat aircraft Tejas at the Dubai Air Show on the international aerospace market and the competition for defense deals, competing countries and the light combat aircraft market.
Gulf media, especially The National UAE, Al Arabiya Saudi, Gulf News Dubai, focused their reporting on security and control. The National wrote that despite the Indian Tejas aircraft catching fire, there were no casualties at the crash site, praising the air show’s safety preparations. Al Arabiya called it a normal risk at international air shows, saying such accidents are not uncommon in test flights of high-performance jets. Gulf News specifically cited the management of audience fear and rapid relief management as the biggest success despite the crash. Gulf analysts also pointed out that this accident would not be an incident affecting India and Gulf defense cooperation, as the distinction between defense contracts and test accidents is clear.
Tejas far ahead of rivals in operating costs
Aerospace analysts associated with the US think tank Rand Corporation estimate that South Korea’s FA-50 and China’s JF-17 are already in the market, but Tejas will continue to have a strong claim in terms of avionics and operational costs, if the investigation report does not find the crash to be a design fault. As French aerospace magazine Aviation Echo has commented, the light combat aircraft market is growing in size in the Middle-East, Africa and South-East Asia. Tejas accident will increase discussion, but it is too early to say whether deals will stop. According to analysts, there will not be an immediate and sales-based impact but will depend on the technical report and upcoming flight trials. Market behavior doesn’t change based on just one crash, buyers look at test reports and long-term performance, Britain’s defense magazine Defense Journal wrote.
Namansh kept trying to save the plane till the last moment
A new video of the Tejas plane accident that took place at Dubai Air Show-2025 has surfaced. It is clearly visible that the brave pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal of Himachal Pradesh tried his best to save his life and the plane at the last moment. He pressed the eject button, but both altitude and time were short.
The plane hit the ground and burst into a ball of fire. The viral video has been posted on social media by W Tan Aviation. It is seen in the video that Tejas was doing barrel roll and negative-G turn at low altitude. Suddenly the balance was lost and the plane started falling down. Fire broke out at exactly 49-52 seconds. A small parachute was seen, that is, Wing Commander Syal pressed the eject button at the last moment, but the height was only a few meters, the parachute could not open. The pilot first tried to save the plane. Experts say that Namansh Syal first tried his best to control the plane. Tejas’ record is very good, so they thought that maybe they would save him, when nothing happened, he ejected, but by then it was too late.
Pakistani Defense Minister expressed grief over the death of Indian pilot
Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has expressed condolences on the death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal in the accident of Indian Air Force’s Tejas fighter aircraft during the Dubai Air Show. He said that the rivalry between the two countries is limited only to the sky and such accidents are tragic. Asif wrote on social media, Pakistan Strategic Forum, on behalf of the entire nation, expresses its deepest condolences to the Indian Air Force and the family of the late pilot. Today’s accident of Tejas aircraft is very sad. He said that competition between neighboring countries has its place, but such tragic incidents sadden everyone.
Namansh’s mortal remains will be cremated today
Indian Air Force pilot Namansh Syal, who lost his life in the crash of Tejas during the air show in Dubai, will be cremated with military honors in his ancestral village on Sunday. From Dubai to Delhi and then Namansh’s mortal remains will be brought to Kangra’s Gagal Airport at 1:30 pm by a special Air Force aircraft. Namansh’s parents, wife and daughter will also come along. Army soldiers had arrived a day in advance to prepare for the rites.
