Listen to the article
The Indian Air Force’s top brass has found itself in the spotlight after social media users shared a misleading video purportedly linking Air Chief Marshal AP Singh’s dance performance to recent incidents involving the indigenous Tejas fighter jets.
The viral clip, which has been circulating across various platforms, shows Air Chief Marshal Singh dancing, interspersed with footage of a Tejas crash at the Dubai Airshow and commentary from Pakistan Air Force Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed about Rafale jets. Those sharing the video have used it to criticize the IAF chief amid growing concerns about the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufactured aircraft.
However, fact-checking reveals that the video of Singh dancing was recorded in September 2025 during a formal ceremony marking the retirement of the Soviet-era MiG-21 fighter jets from the Indian Air Force’s fleet. The event, held in Chandigarh on September 26, 2025, was a significant milestone for the IAF, as it bid farewell to an aircraft that had served the force since the 1960s.
The MiG-21’s retirement came after decades of service that were marred by numerous accidents, earning it the unfortunate nickname “flying coffin” due to its involvement in hundreds of fatal crashes, primarily during non-operational flights. The retirement ceremony was a momentous occasion that celebrated the aircraft’s legacy while acknowledging the transition to newer, domestically produced fighters.
The misleading social media posts attempt to create a false narrative by connecting the Air Chief’s dance to recent concerns about the HAL-manufactured Tejas fighter jets, which have experienced several incidents over the past two years.
To date, there have been two confirmed crashes of the indigenously developed Tejas. The first occurred on March 12, 2024, near a hostel complex in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. In that incident, the pilot managed to eject safely. This marked the first crash in the aircraft’s 23-year operational history, a relatively impressive safety record for a new fighter platform.
The second and more tragic incident took place in November 2025 during the Dubai Airshow, where a Tejas crashed in full view of spectators and cameras. The pilot was unable to eject in time and lost his life in the accident, raising serious questions about the aircraft’s safety systems and operational readiness.
A third incident in February 2026 involved a Tejas that reportedly overran a runway due to suspected brake failure. HAL quickly issued a statement downplaying the severity of this occurrence, describing it as “a minor technical incident on the ground” rather than a crash. The company explicitly stated, “There has been no reported crash of the LCA Tejas,” in an attempt to clarify media reports.
The timing of the misleading video’s circulation is particularly significant as it comes amid increased scrutiny of HAL and the Tejas program. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas represents India’s push toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing, a cornerstone of the government’s “Make in India” initiative. Any perceived failures or shortcomings in the program carry both military and political implications.
Defense analysts note that while all fighter aircraft programs experience technical challenges during their development and operational life, the public perception of these incidents can significantly impact confidence in domestic defense production capabilities. The Tejas program, despite its challenges, remains crucial to India’s strategic autonomy in defense procurement.
The misleading video also highlights the growing challenge military leadership faces in the era of social media, where out-of-context clips can be weaponized to push particular narratives. The IAF has yet to issue an official statement regarding the misleading video, though defense ministry sources have privately acknowledged awareness of the false narrative being promoted.
As India continues to expand its indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities, the scrutiny of programs like Tejas is likely to intensify, making the accurate representation of events surrounding military hardware all the more important for public discourse on national security matters.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
5 Comments
Glad to see a thorough fact-check on this viral video. It’s a good reminder that we shouldn’t jump to conclusions or spread unverified information, especially when it comes to matters of national defense. Context is key.
Retiring aircraft like the MiG-21 after decades of service is a big event for any air force. I can understand the Air Chief Marshal wanting to celebrate this milestone with some dancing. It’s good the report provides the proper context around the video.
The viral video seems to have been taken out of context to criticize the IAF leadership. It’s important to verify facts before making accusations, especially when it comes to military matters. I appreciate the diligent fact-checking done here.
Interesting to see the context around this viral video. It’s good the IAF is being transparent about the timeline and proper context around the Air Chief Marshal’s dance performance. Transitioning from older aircraft to newer ones is always a significant milestone for any air force.
The Tejas fighter jet program has certainly faced its share of challenges, but it’s important to separate those issues from unrelated events like the Air Chief Marshal’s retirement ceremony. Fact-checking is crucial to avoid the spread of misinformation.