India rejects ‘fake’ claims of oil leak in Tejas fighter jet at Dubai Airshow 2025

Dubai: India’s Ministry of Defence on Thursday dismissed social media claims alleging an ‘oil leakage’ in the indigenously built LCA Tejas fighter jet during the Dubai Airshow 2025, calling the circulating videos ‘fake’ and intentionally misleading.

In a firm statement posted on X, the Ministry said certain accounts were ‘deliberately pushing a false narrative’ to undermine the aircraft’s reliability with ‘baseless propaganda’. The controversy erupted after videos showing liquid dripping from the aircraft were shared widely, with some users claiming it signalled a malfunction.

Routine procedure misrepresented as ‘leak’

The Ministry clarified that the footage shows a standard procedure involving ‘intentional draining of condensed water’ from the jet’s Environmental Control System (ECS) and On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS).

This draining process is routine for aircraft operating in humid conditions such as Dubai, the Ministry noted, adding that attempts to link it to an oil leak were entirely incorrect. Screenshots of posts spreading the misinformation were also shared by the Ministry as part of its fact check.

Defence strength showcased at Dubai Airshow

India had a strong presence at the Dubai Airshow, held from November 17 to 21, where it displayed a wide range of aerospace and defence capabilities. The Indian Air Force took part with performances by the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and an exhibition of the LCA Tejas, which has been a key highlight of India’s push for indigenous defence manufacturing.

Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth led the Indian delegation. The contingent included senior officials from the Defence Ministry, the Department of Defence Production, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Armed Forces.

The Minister had earlier inaugurated the India Pavilion at the airshow, which showcased displays from HAL, DRDO, Corel Technologies, Dantal Hydraulics, Image Synergy Ekxplor and SFO Technologies.

Nineteen Indian companies — including Bharat Forge, BrahMos, Tech Mahindra and HBL Engineering — ran individual stalls, while 15 Indian startups presented new technologies and products.