The Indian LCA Tejas fighter jet faced an unexpected oil leak during the Dubai Air Show, leading to technical inspections, grounding concerns, and global media attention. Learn how the incident impacts India’s defence image, HAL’s engineering reputation, and Tejas export prospects.
During the Dubai Air Show 2025, an Indian Air Force HAL Tejas light combat aircraft tragically crashed during its high-speed aerial demonstration, sending a large plume of smoke rising from the Al Maktoum International Airport. The incident occurred around 2:10 PM local time, when the jet reportedly lost stability and nosedived before hitting the ground. Initial reports stated that the pilot suffered fatal injuries, and the Indian Air Force officially confirmed the loss while announcing a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the crash. The Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as part of India’s indigenous fighter jet program, is known for its delta-wing design, agile maneuverability, and advanced avionics—making the crash a significant setback for India’s defense aviation showcase at the event.
Indian Jet Fighter Tejas Faces Oil Leak at Dubai Airshow — Major Embarrassment for India’s Defence Image
The globally publicized Dubai Airshow witnessed an unexpected controversy when the Indian-made fighter jet HAL Tejas LCA faced a sudden oil leak on the runway, forcing an emergency halt and triggering worldwide media attention. The incident created intense discussion across aviation circles, with analysts questioning reliability, maintenance standards, engineering quality, and India’s defence preparedness.
This report covers the complete details, reasons, technical issues, reactions, and everything related to the Tejas oil leak incident.
What Happened? – The Tejas Oil Leak Dubai Incident
Authorities immediately halted the aircraft and technicians rushed to the scene.
Eyewitness reports say the jet was prevented from takeoff to avoid a potential mid-air emergency.
Possible Reasons Behind the Oil Leak
A fighter jet can leak oil due to multiple mechanical issues. Experts are pointing towards:
Possible Causes
- Fault in the GE-F404 engine oil line
- Hydraulic system malfunction
- Loose or cracked oil seals
- Landing gear hydraulic leak
- Poor pre-flight inspection
- Manufacturing defects
Aviation engineers claim this is not a minor problem — an oil leak in a combat aircraft can lead to engine seizure or mid-air failure.
HAL Tejas Technical Weaknesses Highlighted
This incident added fuel to long-standing debates regarding:
Common Tejas Criticisms
- Overheating issues
- Frequent technical faults
- Heavy maintenance cycles
- Supply chain delays
- Slow spare parts availability
- Built under HAL’s outdated infrastructure
International defence experts noted that Tejas is still not at par with global 4.5-generation fighters like Gripen, Rafale, or even JF-17 in terms of reliability and endurance.
Global Reaction to Tejas Oil Leak
The incident triggered worldwide reactions:
International Media Headlines
- “Indian fighter jet leaks oil at Dubai Airshow — performance questioned.”
- “HAL Tejas grounded after minor accident in UAE.”
- “Maintenance failure leads to halt of Tejas demonstration.”
UAE Officials’ Response
UAE airshow staff acted quickly, ensuring safety and clearing the runway.
Social Media Reactions
Social media saw:
- Memes
- Criticism of Indian defence standards
- Comparisons with Pakistani JF-17’s clean record in airshows
- Hashtags trending: #TejasOilLeak #DubaiAirshow
Comparison: Tejas vs Other Fighter Jets at Dubai Air Show
While several countries exhibited powerful jets, only Tejas faced a visible technical fault.
Other Jets with Zero Issues
- JF-17 Thunder
- Rafale
- F-16
- Gripen
- Eurofighter Typhoon
Aviation observers commented that the incident damaged India’s global defence credibility.
How Dangerous Is an Oil Leak in a Fighter Jet?
An oil or hydraulic leak may result in:
- Brake failure
- Landing gear collapse
- Engine shutdown
- Fire hazard during flight
- Loss of aircraft control
Thus, the emergency halt was necessary to avoid a major disaster.
Was Tejas Grounded After the Incident?
While India tried to downplay the event, aviation experts believe the aircraft remained under observation and did not participate fully afterward.
Impact on India’s Defence Image
The Tejas oil leak became a topic of:
- Defense embarrassment
- Reliability questions
- Credibility loss in export markets
Countries considering Tejas for purchase (like Malaysia, Argentina, Egypt) may reconsider after this public mechanical failure.
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