India Refutes Reports of Tejas Mk1 Oil Leak at Dubai Airshow 2025

The Indian government has refuted viral social media claims that the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 suffered an oil leak during its display at the Dubai Airshow 2025. The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit labeled the circulating videos as “false” and “propaganda-driven” in an official statement released Thursday.

According to the PIB, the footage being shared across social media platforms actually shows a routine maintenance procedure, not a technical malfunction as alleged. The videos depict the standard draining of condensed water from the aircraft’s Environmental Control System (ECS) and On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS) – a common practice for aircraft operating in humid environments like Dubai.

“Several propaganda accounts are circulating videos claiming that at the Dubai Airshow 2025, the Indian LCA Tejas Mk1 suffered an oil leakage. These claims are fake,” the PIB stated firmly in its clarification.

The controversy emerges as India continues its push to showcase its indigenous aerospace capabilities on the global stage. The Tejas fighter jet has been a flagship project in India’s drive toward military self-reliance and has participated in several international airshows with considerable success.

The Indian Air Force contingent arrived at Al Maktoum Airbase last weekend for the Dubai Airshow, which runs from November 17 to 21. During the event, the Tejas has been performing impressive aerial displays, executing high maneuvers that have drawn substantial crowds. The static display of the aircraft has also attracted significant attention from visitors and potential buyers.

Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari expressed optimism about foreign interest in the aircraft during the event. “Tejas has come here and participated before. The interest shown was tremendous. We are expecting that the display this year also will cater to great expectations,” he told ANI at the India Pavilion.

Air Marshal Tiwari further emphasized that India’s participation in the airshow reflects the growing defense cooperation between India and the UAE at multiple levels. “We sent the Tejas as well as the Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team on the request of the UAE authorities. We have excellent cooperation with them, both at the strategic level as well as the service level,” he noted.

The LCA Tejas represents a significant achievement in India’s aerospace industry. Designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency in cooperation with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Tejas is a lightweight, multi-role, single-engine tactical fighter aircraft. The Indian Air Force inducted its first squadron of Tejas Mk1 aircraft in 2016, and since then, the platform has undergone various improvements and upgrades.

The PIB’s statement underscored the importance of verifying information before sharing it on social media. “While these accounts are attempting to push a false narrative, the facts remain clear,” the bureau stated. “There was no leakage, only a standard operational procedure being carried out as required. Avoid sharing unverified or misleading claims. Always verify facts before circulating information.”

This incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in the defense sector, particularly regarding indigenous platforms that countries like India are promoting for export markets. With defense exhibitions and airshows serving as crucial platforms for showcasing military hardware to potential international buyers, such misinformation could potentially impact commercial prospects.

Despite the controversy, the Tejas continues to draw interest at the Dubai Airshow, with Indian officials maintaining that the aircraft is performing without any technical concerns. The aircraft’s participation in the event is part of India’s broader strategy to establish itself as a credible defense exporter and reduce dependency on foreign military equipment.