A dramatic two-minute video from the Dubai Airshow captures the final moments of an Indian Tejas aircraft’s demo — culminating in a crash after attempting a risky maneuver known as the “Sharp Edge Knife.” Although some observers are quick to blame pilot error, the footage and surrounding circumstances strongly suggest a deeper breakdown in readiness, maintenance, or basic judgment.

From the start, the demo appeared ambitious for a platform with limited combat pedigree outside of India. As the jet climbed, banked, and dove, it became clear the crew was pushing the limits, not just for a demonstration but for showmanship. The final knife-edge turn — a maneuver requiring flawless coordination — went fatally wrong. The aircraft seemed unstable, control inputs looked rough, and the recovery was late or insufficient. When the crash occurred, it wasn’t just a tragic accident; it looked like something that should never have taken place in the first place.

Critics argue that neither the crew nor the machine should’ve been allowed to fly such a risky profile at an airshow. This wasn’t a tightly controlled test flight, but a public spectacle — which raises red flags about priorities. Was the goal to truly test performance, or to impress attendees and potential buyers? Either way, the setup screamed recklessness. Tejas, in this context, appeared more like a showpiece than a proven combat-ready fighter.

There is a growing chorus of analysts now questioning whether Tejas is ready for anything beyond exhibition flights. Despite India’s claims of operational deployment, the crash fuels skepticism: if Tejas cannot perform a high-profile aerial demonstration safely, can it be trusted in real combat? The failure in Dubai could undermine confidence in the aircraft’s reliability, limits, and structural toughness — especially for nations considering it for future acquisitions.

For advocates of strong national security — like those who support the Trump Administration’s “peace through strength” doctrine — this incident is a cautionary tale. Modern air superiority depends on aircraft that are not only technologically advanced but also rigorously tested, dependable, and combat-proven. A fighter jet that struggles to safely complete an airshow demonstration may fail when it matters most.

In the end, the crash is not just an embarrassment — it could be a signal that Tejas has more ground to prove, and that spectating governments should take a closer, more skeptical look before placing trust or orders.