The tragic loss of Wing Commander Namansh Syal at the Dubai Air Show 2025 has shaken India's aviation community, but Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director D K Sunil has firmly stood by the Tejas light combat aircraft's exceptional safety record. Speaking to ANI in New Delhi on 28th November, Sunil addressed the incident while reaffirming HAL's commitment to India's defence modernisation.
The crash occurred during an eight-minute aerobatic display when the Tejas Mark-1 aircraft failed to recover from a low-altitude negative G-turn, leading to an uncontrollable descent. Despite an immediate emergency response, Wing Commander Syal could not eject in time. The nation mourns the loss of a brave pilot who was showcasing India's indigenous capability on the global stage.
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Sunil was categorical in dismissing conspiracy theories surrounding the crash. He emphasised that HAL has consistently delivered advanced indigenous defence platforms that meet international standards. The Tejas programme, along with other systems like the HTT-40 basic trainer and Prachand light combat helicopter, demonstrates India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
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The HAL chief clarified that the Dubai incident was an isolated occurrence resulting from exceptional circumstances during a demanding aerobatic manoeuvre. Such demonstrations push aircraft to their operational limits, and unfortunately, this particular sequence of events proved fatal. Importantly, Sunil stressed that this tragedy does not reflect any systemic flaw in the Tejas design or affect HAL's production commitments.
India's ambitious procurement plan for 180 LCA Mk-1A aircraft, worth approximately ₹1.1 lakh crore, continues on schedule. This massive order represents one of the largest indigenous defence contracts in Indian history. Deliveries under the first contract will begin shortly, with production for the second batch starting in 2027. This timeline remains unchanged despite the Dubai setback.
The Tejas programme is central to India's vision of becoming self-reliant in defence aviation. For decades, India depended on foreign suppliers for combat aircraft, creating vulnerabilities in times of conflict. The Tejas breaks this dependency, giving India control over its air defence capabilities. Every Tejas delivered strengthens national security while keeping precious foreign exchange within the country.
Sunil also outlined HAL's forward-looking roadmap. The CATS Warrior Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle is being developed for operational readiness in 2026, with its maiden flight expected in 2027. This cutting-edge drone technology will add a new dimension to India's air combat capabilities. Additionally, the Utility Helicopter Maritime project is progressing steadily, with flight trials scheduled for 2027.
The HAL chairman made it clear that criticism will not deter the organisation from advancing its goals. HAL is fully cooperating with the ongoing inquiry into the Dubai crash. Transparency in investigation and learning from such incidents are hallmarks of mature aerospace organisations worldwide. India's defence establishment is committed to understanding exactly what happened and implementing any necessary corrective measures.
Wing Commander Syal's sacrifice should not be in vain. His professionalism and dedication to showcasing Indian aviation prowess deserves our respect and remembrance. Test pilots and display pilots undertake extraordinary risks to demonstrate aircraft capabilities, and their contribution to national security is invaluable.
The Tejas has completed thousands of flying hours with the Indian Air Force and has proven itself in various operational conditions. Its safety record globally remains strong. One incident, however tragic, cannot define an entire programme that represents decades of engineering excellence and national pride.
HAL's message is clear: India's indigenous defence aviation programme is robust, ambitious, and unstoppable. The Tejas will continue to fly, protecting Indian skies and inspiring future generations of aerospace engineers. The organisation honours Wing Commander Syal's memory by redoubling its commitment to excellence and safety.
As investigations conclude and lessons are learned, India's defence aviation sector will emerge stronger. The Tejas programme symbolises not just military capability but national determination. HAL's confidence in its products and processes should reassure every Indian that our skies are in safe hands.