A tragic incident unfolded on Friday afternoon at the Dubai Air Show when an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display, erupting into flames and sending a dense column of black smoke soaring above Al Maktoum International Airport. Reported by NDTV.
The IAF has confirmed that the pilot lost his life in the accident. NDTV.
In an official statement, the IAF said, “An IAF Tejas aircraft was involved in an accident during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Air Show today. The pilot received fatal injuries.
The Indian Air Force deeply mourns this loss and stands in solidarity with the family at this difficult time. A court of inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the mishap.”
The aircraft involved was a single-seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Eyewitness accounts and footage accessed by NDTV indicate the jet went down at approximately 2:10 pm local time.
According to the Dubai government, firefighting units and emergency responders arrived promptly and are currently handling the situation on the ground.
Images captured after the crash show severely burnt and twisted remnants of the Tejas scattered across the site.
Preliminary video evidence suggests the pilot was unable to recover from a low-altitude negative-G manoeuvre—a signature part of the Tejas’ air-show routine.
Although the aircraft briefly leveled its wings before impact, its downward velocity was already too high to avert the crash. The pilot did not eject.
The Integrated Defence Staff added, “General Anil Chauhan, CDS, and all ranks of the Indian Armed Forces express deep sorrow over the IAF Tejas crash during the Dubai Air Show.
The pilot suffered fatal injuries. We share the grief of the bereaved family and stand firmly with them.”
The crash took place during the biennial Dubai Air Show, considered one of the largest aviation showcases globally.
This year’s edition has been marked by major commercial announcements, including massive aircraft orders by Emirates and FlyDubai.
This tragedy represents the second Tejas crash in under two years. In March 2024, another Tejas went down in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer—the first such incident since the fighter’s maiden flight in 2001. In that case, the pilot successfully ejected and survived.
A 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft, the Tejas is designed to handle air defence, offensive support, and close-combat missions. It is widely recognized as one of the smallest and lightest fighters in its category.
One of its notable safety features is the Martin-Baker zero-zero ejection seat, engineered to permit safe ejection even at zero altitude and zero velocity.
The system functions by explosively jettisoning the canopy, propelling the pilot away from the aircraft, and deploying parachutes to steady descent.
Spectators at the event witnessed the accident from viewing areas near the runway. Videos show the Tejas performing its demonstration routine before rapidly losing altitude.
Moments later, a thick plume of smoke rose, prompting shock and alarm among attendees.
The Tejas programme forms a key pillar of India’s efforts to upgrade its fighter fleet and reduce reliance on foreign aircraft. The No. 45 ‘Flying Daggers’ squadron became the first to induct the Tejas in 2016.
In September, the Indian government signed a significant contract with HAL to procure 97 more Tejas jets, with production and delivery scheduled to begin in 2027.
This follows the 2021 agreement to supply 83 Tejas Mk-1A fighters, though those deliveries have experienced delays.
Leaders across political lines expressed solidarity and grief following the crash.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, stated, “Deeply saddened by the loss of our brave IAF pilot in the Tejas crash at the Dubai Air Show.
My heartfelt condolences to his family. The nation stands with them, honouring his courage and service.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed his condolences, saying, “Deeply anguished at the loss of a brave IAF pilot during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The nation stands firmly with the family in this tragic hour.”
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