The Indian Air Force is gearing up for a significant international showcase of its indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas at the prestigious Dubai Air Show in 2025, following an overwhelmingly positive response during its recent display at the Bahrain International Airshow. Senior IAF officials have expressed strong confidence in attracting substantial global attention and potential export opportunities for the made-in-India fighter jet.
Building on Bahrain Success
The foundation for this optimism was laid during the Bahrain International Airshow held from November 9 to 11, 2023, where the LCA Tejas made its international flying debut. According to Air Vice Marshal Ashish Bansal, the senior officer overseeing the LCA Tejas program, the interest generated during the Bahrain event was nothing short of phenomenal.
The response in Bahrain was tremendous, stated Air Vice Marshal Bansal, highlighting the significant international attention the aircraft received. The successful demonstration has created substantial momentum leading up to the Dubai Air Show in 2025, where the IAF plans to present an even more compelling case for the Tejas to potential international buyers.
Strategic International Positioning
The Indian Air Force's participation in international airshows represents a strategic shift in India's defense export policy. Rather than merely displaying the aircraft as a technological achievement, the IAF is actively positioning the Tejas as a competitive option in the global fighter aircraft market. The Dubai Air Show, being one of the largest aviation events in the world, provides an ideal platform to reach numerous potential customer nations.
Air Vice Marshal Bansal emphasized that the international exposure helps demonstrate the aircraft's capabilities beyond Indian airspace and operational conditions. The participation in such events allows potential buyers to see the Tejas performance firsthand and assess its suitability for their specific requirements, he explained.
Technical Capabilities and Export Potential
The LCA Tejas represents India's growing prowess in indigenous defense manufacturing. The aircraft boasts several advanced features that make it competitive in the global market:
- Advanced digital fly-by-wire flight control system
- Modern glass cockpit with multifunction displays
- Composite material structure reducing radar signature
- Compatibility with a wide range of weapons and payloads
- Proven operational track record with the Indian Air Force
The successful demonstration in Bahrain, coupled with the planned participation in Dubai, underscores India's commitment to establishing itself as a reliable defense equipment supplier. The IAF expects the 2025 Dubai Air Show to generate serious inquiries and potentially lead to export contracts from nations looking to modernize their air forces with cost-effective yet advanced fighter aircraft.
This international marketing effort aligns with the Indian government's broader Make in India initiative and defense export promotion strategy. The positive reception in international forums not only boosts export prospects but also enhances India's standing as an emerging defense manufacturing hub capable of producing world-class military hardware.
