ThePrint ThePrintWorldView: Ex-fighter pilot decodes Tejas crash as global security challenges & air power competition rise
Nov 22, 2025
Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat, a former fighter pilot and defense expert, provides an in-depth analysis of the heartbreaking Tejas crash. He discusses the complexities of low-altitude aerobatics and the potential causes behind the incident, including technical failures and human error. Ahlawat contrasts Tejas’ strong safety record with its program criticisms and explores the implications for India’s geopolitical standing, especially in light of fresh orders for competitor aircraft. The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing misinformation and the institutional support for the affected families.
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Human And Reputational Losses Are Distinct
- The Tejas crash is both a human tragedy and a reputational setback for India's aerospace efforts.
- Losing an experienced pilot amplifies long-term operational costs beyond the aircraft loss.
Crash Occurred Exiting A Negative‑G Turn
- Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat recounts watching footage showing the pilot coming out of a negative-G turn and pitching down into the ground.
- He frames low-altitude aerobatics as a high-risk, precision task where errors leave seconds to recover.
Low Altitude Severely Limits Recovery Time
- Low-altitude displays compress reaction time and raise the chance that small errors or system failures become catastrophic.
- At low altitude, hitting the ground can take just a second or two, leaving almost no margin for recovery.