IAF’s Singapore airshow 2026 participation limited to Sarang team

The Indian Air Force’s participation in the Singapore Airshow 2026 will be limited to the Sarang Helicopter Display Team flying the indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv , with no official confirmation so far on the presence of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

Official information released by the Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Airshow organisers mentions only the Sarang team as India’s flying display contingent. The current line-up of participating aircraft and demonstration teams does not include the Tejas fighter jet, either for an aerial demonstration or as part of the announced static display.

The absence of Tejas comes against the backdrop of a fatal crash involving an LCA Tejas Mk-1 during a flying display at the Dubai Airshow in 2025, in which an Indian Air Force pilot lost his life. Following the incident, the IAF ordered a court of inquiry, while state-owned manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) described the crash as an isolated occurrence and said it would not have a long-term impact on the aircraft’s operational status.

While the incident does not automatically rule out the aircraft’s participation in future international airshows, defence planners and organisers generally adopt a more cautious approach when selecting high-profile fighter demonstrations after such accidents, particularly at overseas venues.

The Singapore Airshow 2026, Asia’s premier biennial aerospace and defence exhibition, is being held from February 3 to 8 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. The event features multiple international flying display teams along with a large static exhibition of aircraft and defence platforms.

This year, India’s presence at the airshow appears focused on showcasing rotary-wing capabilities and indigenous platforms through the Sarang Helicopter Display Team, which is known for precision flying and close-formation manoeuvres.

Officials have not ruled out the participation of Tejas in future editions of global airshows. However, as of now, there is no public announcement indicating that the fighter aircraft will feature at the Singapore Airshow 2026.