Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas light combat aircraft, has described the recent crash during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow as an ‘isolated occurrence’ caused by exceptional circumstances. The incident, which occurred on Friday, November 22, 2025, resulted in the tragic death of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal. HAL emphasized that the crash would not affect its business operations, financial performance, or future deliveries. In a statement filed with the stock exchange, the state-owned company pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation and committed to keeping stakeholders informed of any significant developments. Despite the assurances, HAL’s stock experienced a sharp decline of approximately 9% in early trading on Monday, reflecting investor concerns. The Tejas, an indigenously developed multi-role combat aircraft, is designed for air defence, reconnaissance, and strike missions. The Indian Air Force has expressed deep regret over the loss and announced the formation of a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. Wing Commander Syal’s last rites were performed in his native village of Patialkar, Himachal Pradesh, on Sunday.