Defence analysts have raised serious concerns over India’s defence manufacturing capabilities following the recent crash of the Tejas fighter aircraft. The incident, involving India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), has reignited debate over long-standing issues related to reliability, testing standards, and production quality within the country’s defence industry.
Experts point out that the Tejas programme has faced multiple delays, cost overruns, and technical challenges since its inception. The latest crash, they say, highlights persistent flaws that could undermine India’s ambitions of achieving self-reliance in defence production.
Analysts also warn that repeated setbacks could affect India’s export prospects, as several countries are currently evaluating the Tejas for potential procurement. They stressed the need for stricter safety protocols, improved quality control, and enhanced pilot training before large-scale deployment.
India’s defence ministry has ordered an investigation into the cause of the crash, while critics argue that systemic issues—rather than isolated incidents—must be addressed to restore confidence in the indigenous fighter jet programme.
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