An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet participating in a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show crashed on Friday afternoon. The HAL-made aircraft went down around 2:10 pm local time while performing an aerial display in front of a large audience.
As per a report of the Indian Express, The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident and said more information is expected soon. An IAF spokesperson stated: “A Tejas of IAF has crashed in Dubai Air Show-25. Further details are being ascertained at the moment. Will give further details in some time.”
A really thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site near the airport. This triggered a panic among audience, including families with children who had gathered to watch the show. It remains unclear whether the pilot managed to eject before impact.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene.
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The IAF, in a statement, confirmed the death of the pilot in the crash.
IAF said in an official statement, "An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. Indian Air Force 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,"
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A video of the incident, now viral on social media, shows the aircraft wobbling mid-air, flipping sharply, and then losing control before bursting into flames on the ground.
Tejas is a 4.5-generation fighter jet developed for strike missions, close-range engagements and air support, HAL says. Designed to function over land, sea and air, it serves as a highly adaptable homegrown aircraft. The Tejas lineup features single-seat combat models for both the Air Force and Navy, as well as twin-seat trainer variants for each service.
