Tejas Leaked: HAL exposed, IAF embarrassed || Islamabad Files

Islamabad Files discussed the very burning issue at Dubai Air Show 2025 (Nov. 17th to 21st, 2025), when at first - India faced an unexpected embarrassment, when leading aviation platform "Jetline Marvel" mentioned the French Rafale, Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder, and the Super Mushshak as key participants — but did not list India’s LCA Tejas or the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team anywhere. Instead of questioning their own institutions, Indian critics blamed the magazine, even though Tejas has been under HAL’s development since 1983 and still struggles to meet operational standards.

Islamabad Files examines, why Tejas remains unreliable after four decades of development, why the Indian Air Force avoids deploying it in real operations, and why it was never used in 2019 or 2025 despite crises. Islamabad Files also analyze the major embarrassment at the Dubai Air Show also unfolded as hydraulic fuel leakage was seen under a Tejas MK-1A display aircraft — a serious technical flaw that raises questions about HAL’s manufacturing, assembly, and Indian Air Force (IAF) maintenance standards. The aircraft was also showcased without any missiles or weapon systems (weapon package), further adding to doubts over its operational credibility.

In contrast, Pakistan’s pavilion became a centre of attraction with the JF-17C Block-III, Super Mushshak, CM-400AKG, Takbir glide bombs, and other advanced systems that drew interest from Middle Eastern, African, and South American delegations. Once again, the Pakistan–China JF-17 programme overshadowed India’s Tejas project, highlighting Pakistan’s growing defence manufacturing confidence and India’s persistent aerospace setbacks.

#DubaiAirShow #TejasLeak #JF17BlockIII #PakistanAirForce #IndianAirForce #HAL #IslamabadFiles




Islamabad Files is an independent and impartial platform that provides audiences information and analysis, based on facts on topics such as wars, security, defense, tech and news from around the world. It is a joint collaboration of credible journalists namely Mr. Khalid Mehmood, Mr. Muhammad Imran and Mr. Faisal Raza Khan.


#KhalidMehmood is a well known working journalist since the year 1992, having a more than thirty years experience.

#MuhammadImran is another well-known young and respected face in the field of investigative journalism since the year 1999.

#FaisalRazaKhan is award winning journalist having an almost thirty years experience as a professional journalist.

All 'Islamabad Files' platforms are produced, presented and run by SNS (Pvt.) Limited.