An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter aircraft crashed during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, killing the pilot, officials and witnesses told AFP.
The indigenously developed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Tejas jet went down at around 2:10pm local time, erupting into flames upon impact. Videos circulating on social media showed the aircraft descending rapidly before crashing and exploding, sending a thick plume of smoke into the sky as shocked spectators looked on. Emergency crews rushed to the scene within moments.
The incident occurred on the final day of the Middle East’s largest aviation exhibition, held at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport. Hundreds of people were seated in the grandstand for the afternoon flying display, while numerous military and civilian aircraft were positioned on static display across the venue.
In a statement posted on X, the Indian Air Force confirmed the pilot’s death.
“An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident,” the statement said.
“IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief. A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.”
The Tejas, meaning “brilliance” in Hindi, is India’s domestically designed and manufactured fighter jet. Inducted into the IAF in 2016, the aircraft has faced multiple design and development challenges over the years and was once deemed too heavy for naval use.
This marks the second known crash of the Tejas, which is powered by a General Electric (GE) engine. The first occurred during an exercise in India in 2024.
The Tejas Mk-1A variant is considered a key component of India’s plans to replace ageing fighter squadrons and strengthen its air capabilities amid rising tensions with China and ongoing support for Pakistan.
However, delivery of the jets has been slowed by delays in receiving GE engines ordered in 2021. Of the 99 engines purchased, only four have been delivered so far, with GE citing post-pandemic supply chain disruptions.
The Dubai Air Show, running from November 17 to 21, brought together more than 1,500 exhibitors, 200 aircraft, and hundreds of industry leaders, according to its organisers.
