India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jet crash during the Dubai Airshow has raised serious concerns over the country’s defense export ambitions. The incident, which killed pilot Wing Commander Namansh Sal, occurred on November 21 and has been seen as a major setback for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-run manufacturer. Analysts say the crash on such a global stage could damage India’s credibility as a defense exporter, though some remain optimistic about Tejas’s recovery. HAL had been targeting markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, even opening an office in Malaysia in 2023. The Tejas project, initiated in the 1980s to replace aging MiG-21s, has faced delays due to engine supply issues from GE Aerospace. With India’s air force operating only 29 of its authorized 42 squadrons, the government is now considering alternatives such as Rafale, F-35, or Su-57 jets while continuing to expand its Tejas fleet. Experts note that beyond exports, Tejas remains vital for India’s future aerospace development.