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Indian Air Force's (IAF) indigenous fighter aircraft Tejas crashed at the Dubai Air Show on Friday. There is information about the tragic demise of the pilot in the accident. With this accident, comparison between Tejas and Rafale has started. In such a situation, the question is, what is the difference between these two fighter planes, how are they different from each other? Is Tejas weak or is Rafale ahead?

Tejas is India's indigenous leapfrog. Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is India's indigenous light combat aircraft, which has been jointly developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Aeronautical Development Agency. Its main objective was to replace old Soviet origin aircraft like MiG-21, to make India self-reliant in fighter aircraft technology and to work as a small, agile and modern light fighter.

Tejas had to go through the process of research, testing and improvement for several decades. This program is not just an aircraft but a technology platform on which further variants like Tejas Mk 1A, Mk 2 and naval version are being developed.

Rafale is one of the most advanced fighters in the world

Rafale is a 4.5 generation multi-role fighter aircraft of the French company Dassault Aviation. It was designed from the beginning in such a way that it could perform all types of missions like air superiority, ground attack, maritime, naval missions, nuclear strikes etc. from a single platform. India chose Rafale because it immediately needed a ready-made powerful aircraft which could balance the modern aircraft and missile network of not only Pakistan but also China.

Tejas is a light weight fighter.

Basic difference in design and class

Tejas is a light weight fighter. Its main role is fixed for point defence, limited multi-role capability, training and light strike. It has a single engine, small size and operating cost is relatively low. Rafale is a medium and heavy multi-role fighter jet. It has been designed for deep strike, air superiority, network centric warfare, nuclear deterrence. It has two engines, is larger in size and is capable of striking at longer ranges with more weapons. That means the role and design philosophy of both are different. Tejas was not designed to compete directly with Rafale, rather it is a player of a different level.

This is how Tejas collapsed in Dubai Air Show?

BREAKING: An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. pic.twitter.com/TvwUoe3juh

— Clash Report (@clashreport) November 21, 2025

Engine, Speed ​​and Range: Who is Faster?

Tejas is a single engine jet. Has a thrust capacity of approximately 80-90 kN. Being light, the thrust to weight ratio is good i.e. Tejas is more agile. There are two engines in Rafale. Overall thrust (sum of both engines) is approximately 150 kN. Designed for higher payload, more fuel, better performance at altitude.

The maximum speed of Tejas is approximately Mach 1.6. Short range strike, perfect for border area defense. Whereas the maximum speed of Rafale is approximately Mach 1.81.9. It is also capable of going deep into the enemy's depth and striking. Thus, it is clear that Rafale is ahead in terms of range, altitude and payload.

Rafale is a medium and heavy multi-role fighter jet.

Who is better between radar and sensor?

In terms of radar and sensor suite, Tejas was equipped with MMR (Multi Mode Radar) technology in the initial version. Later Tejas Mk 1A also got the facility of modern Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, better tracking and multi target engagement. Features like fly by wire control system, modern glass cockpit, helmet mounted sight make it special.

At the same time, Rafale is one of the most tested AESA radars in the world today. Spectra Electronic Warfare (EW) system enables it to protect against enemy radar and missiles. By combining infrared search and track, strong data links, sensor fusion etc. the pilot gets an integrated picture. While Tejas' electronic system is a huge achievement for India, Rafale's entire sensor suite is based on an ecosystem developed decades ahead. Rafale is more mature in network centric warfare and multi platform coordination.

Which one is lethal?

Tejas is capable of carrying a payload of about 3.5 to 4 tonnes. This may also vary in different versions of Tejas. It is also capable of carrying air to air missiles (like R 73, Derby, Astra etc.), laser guided bombs, normal bombs. Whereas Rafale can carry payload up to about 910 tonnes. Has the power to carry very long range BVR missiles, MICA, SCALP cruise missiles, HAMMER precision bombs, Exocet/other anti-ship missiles etc. and launch them at the enemy if needed. In terms of range, variety and precision of weapons, Rafale is many times ahead of Tejas. Tejas is still expanding its weapons ecosystem, which also includes India's indigenous missiles.

Who is at the forefront in security?

Any modern war is not won only by how fast the plane flies, but victory is decided on how much can escape from the enemy's radar? How to protect yourself from missiles? How much power is there in electronic warfare? In this case, Tejas is not complete stealth, but an attempt has been made to keep the radar cross section low in the design. Composite materials have been used extensively, which reduces both weight and RCS.

When we look at Rafale, it is known that it is a low observable design but it is also not full 5th Gen stealth. Spectra is very capable of jamming and miss locking enemy missiles due to EW system. Rafale's capabilities are more advanced in terms of long-term survival in the battlefield and operating in complex threat environments.

Is the accident in Dubai a proof of weakness?

Accidents, test failures and technical glitches are a natural part of any aircraft program. Almost every major fighter aircraft like America's F-16, F-18, Russia's MiG-29, Su-27 have seen many crashes in the initial stages. The important things are what was found to be the cause of the accident? Pilot error, mechanical, technical failure, maintenance issue, weather or unexpected circumstances?

The situation will become clear in this accident only after investigation. A new and growing platform like Tejas becomes more mature with time. It is not technically correct to consider one accident as the failure of the entire program. Rafale, Sukhoi, Mirage, all have had crash incidents from time to time, but after investigation and improvements, they emerged as more reliable.

Cost and Operating Cost

Tejas unit cost is much lower than Rafale. Being a light aircraft, fuel consumption is low and maintenance is relatively cheap. Strengthens India's local industry, supply chain and technology ecosystem in the long term. The unit cost of Rafale is very high. This is because it includes advanced weapons, training, infrastructure, logistics package. Operating cost is also many times higher than Tejas. But in return we get a high level ready to fight platform, which provides immediate frontline deterrence. From a strategic point of view, India needs both for different reasons. While Tejas offers long-term self-reliance and numbers, Rafale is a high-quality, ready-made Shock and Awe option.