Indian Fighter Jet Tejas Suffers Oil Leak at Dubai Airshow 2025

om the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Instead, an unexpected and highly visible incident stole the spotlight: the Tejas suffered a fluid leak on the tarmac, and the video of technicians rushing in with bags and cardboard instantly went viral worldwide.

The image you provided shows the moment clearly—ground crew in reflective vests surrounding the aircraft, fluid dripping beneath the fuselage, and crowds watching from behind the barriers. For a country hoping to promote Tejas as a reliable and modern fighter jet, this incident raised tough questions.

In this article, we break down everything: what leaked, what caused it, what the Dubai Airshow represents, and what consequences India may face after this highly publicized moment.


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What Is the Dubai Airshow 2025?

The Dubai Airshow is one of the world’s most elite aviation exhibitions, held at Al Maktoum International Airport in the UAE.
It is a global gathering of:

Leading air forces

International aircraft manufacturers

Defense buyers

Aviation technology companies

Media and military observers


The 2025 edition takes place in November, featuring new aircraft, aerobatic displays, and major defense sales negotiations.

India arrived at Dubai with a strong delegation that included:

HAL Tejas LCA

Suryakiran Aerobatic Team

BrahMos missile systems

DRDO technologies


The goal was clear: promote Tejas to foreign buyers and showcase India’s growing aerospace capabilities.


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What Exactly Was Leaking From the Tejas?

The leaked video and the picture show fluid dropping from the bottom of the fuselage near the landing gear. Based on the location and appearance, experts believe one of the following fluids was involved:

1. Engine Oil — Most likely

The leak appears consistent with engine-oil seepage. Fighter engines have high-pressure lubrication systems, and any minor seal issue can cause dripping after landing.

2. Hydraulic Fluid — Also possible

Hydraulic leaks are common in fighter jets. They control:

Landing gear

Brake systems

Flight control surfaces


Hydraulic fluid is slightly reddish or amber; the ground crew’s reaction suggests they were collecting something significant, not simple condensation.

3. Water Condensation — Least likely

Some aviation enthusiasts suggested it might just be condensation, but:

The drip rate

The technical response

The containers and collection setup


all point to a more serious type of fluid.

So far, India has not officially confirmed what the fluid was.


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What Caused the Leak?

Several potential causes exist:

✔ Minor seal or gasket failure

This is common in aircraft exposed to sudden temperature changes after landing.

✔ Hydraulic pressure fluctuations

After flights, hydraulic lines can release excess pressure.

✔ Maintenance oversight

Static displays require special prep; a loose connection or unchecked valve could cause a leak.

✔ Engine system issue

Especially relevant because Tejas previously experienced engine oil-pump problems in 2024.

None of these necessarily mean the aircraft is unsafe—however, the public nature of the failure at a global event is what made it controversial.


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Why This Incident Went Viral

The video went viral mainly because:

The aircraft was part of a prestigious global show

Ground staff used shopping bags, cardboard, and metal trays to catch the fluid

Large crowds and cameras were already present

Rival defense communities amplified the footage

The image gave critics an easy target


In the world of defense PR, visuals matter—and this one delivered the wrong message at the wrong time.


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Consequences for India and the Tejas Program

1. Damage to India’s Defense Reputation

The Dubai Airshow is an international marketing stage. Even a minor technical issue becomes a global headline.

2. Doubts Among Potential Buyers

Countries that have shown interest in Tejas include:

Malaysia

Egypt

Argentina

UAE


A visible ground leak may make them question the aircraft’s maturity and reliability.

3. Social Media & Diplomatic Embarrassment

Memes, jokes, and criticism spread fast. This undermines India’s efforts to promote Tejas as a dependable export fighter.

4. Renewed Pressure on HAL & IAF

The incident adds to existing concerns regarding:

Delays in delivering Tejas Mk-1A

Maintenance issues

Previous engine-related challenges


It may trigger internal reviews and tighter quality checks.


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Is the Aircraft Unsafe?

Not necessarily.
Aircraft leaks can occur for many benign reasons. But the timing, location, and public visibility make this incident significant.

The biggest damage here is reputational, not technical.


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Final Thoughts

The Tejas oil leak at the Dubai Airshow 2025 is a classic example of how even a minor technical issue can snowball into a global controversy. For a country aiming to present itself as an emerging defense powerhouse, the optics were unfortunate. Until an official explanation arrives from the Indian Air Force or HAL, speculation will continue.

But the message is clear:
In international defense exhibitions, presentation matters as much as performance.