Tejas IAF Crash: U.S. Pilot Walks Out of Dubai Air Show After Wing Commander’s Death

In a special discussion, Ms Barkha Dutt spoke with Air Marshal Sunil Nanodkar, Lt Gen Raj Shukla, Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor, and Dr. Tara Kartha, all respected national security and aviation experts.

The panel first addressed the emotional debate around whether the Dubai Air Show should have stopped after the crash. Air Marshal Nanodkar said that while military operations must continue despite loss, this was a commercial show and ideally should have been paused. Air Marshal Kapoor agreed, calling it a matter of respect for a pilot who was among India’s finest. Dr. Kartha also strongly felt the show should have been cancelled immediately.

Lt Gen Raj Shukla, however, argued that military ethos is built on courage, confidence, and the ability to continue despite tragedy. But he also stressed that India must strengthen its aviation ecosystem, modernize faster, and support pilots with better technology.

The conversation then shifted to the larger questions around India’s aviation development — the delays in fighter jet programs, gaps in technology like engines, and the need for civil-military fusion. All experts agreed that meaningful reforms, faster modernization, and stronger indigenous capability would be the truest tribute to Wing Commander Syal.

Conclusion (as per Barkha Dutt)

Ms Dutt closed by saying that beyond mourning, India must act boldly — cut red tape, modernize, indigenize, and build the aviation strength that our brave pilots truly deserve.