Key Points
- Tejas fighter jet crashed at 2:10 PM local time during aerial demonstration at Dubai Air Show
- Pilot sustained fatal injuries, identity not yet disclosed by Indian Air Force
- Aircraft performed low roll before crashing approximately 1.6 km from exhibition area
- Thick black smoke billowed over Al Maktoum International Airport after impact
- Court of Inquiry ordered to investigate cause, second known Tejas crash
- Emergency teams responded rapidly, air show resumed within two hours
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed condolences to bereaved family
- Dubai Air Show 2025 hosted over 1,200 exhibitors with 150,000 expected attendees
New Delhi: The HAL Tejas Mark 1A light combat aircraft went down in flames just after 2:10 PM local time (10:00 GMT) on Friday during a demonstration flight for a crowd of spectators at Dubai World Central, where the final day of the biennial air show was taking place. Witnesses reported the jet was flying at a low altitude when it suddenly plummeted in a fiery descent. Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of thick black smoke rising from behind the secured airstrip, with the aircraft engulfed in flames upon impact. Alarm sirens echoed throughout the airport as emergency crews rushed to the crash site.
Indian Air Force Confirms Fatal Injuries
The Indian Air Force issued an official statement confirming the pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. The statement read, “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. 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 identity of the pilot has not been disclosed by authorities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences, mourning the brave pilot’s loss.
Crash Details and Eyewitness Accounts
Footage captured by spectators showed the fighter jet executing a low roll maneuver before it appeared to lose control. The aircraft crashed in flames approximately one mile (1.6 kilometers) from the show site, behind the secured exhibition area. According to the Associated Press, the jet had performed several passes over the display area before it seemed to lose control and plunged directly to the ground. Journalist Aditya Raj Kaul shared video footage on social media, noting there were no visible indications of the pilot attempting to eject from the aircraft. The Dubai Media Office labeled the pilot’s death as “tragic” and released images of firefighting crews working to extinguish the smoldering debris at the crash site.
Emergency Response and Show Resumption
The UAE’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that firefighting and emergency teams responded swiftly to the incident and were actively managing the situation on-site. Dubai officials deployed emergency response personnel immediately after the crash, with firefighters working to extinguish the flames and secure the area. Remarkably, air demonstrations at the Dubai Air Show resumed less than two hours after the incident as emergency personnel concluded their operations at the crash site. The show, which is recognized as the largest aviation exhibition in the Middle East, commenced on Monday and was scheduled to conclude on Friday.
Second Known Tejas Crash
This incident marks the second documented crash of the domestically developed Tejas fighter jet since its inaugural test flight in 2001. The first crash occurred during a training exercise in Rajasthan, India, in March 2024, where the pilot successfully ejected and survived. The crash in Dubai represents a significant setback for India’s indigenous fighter program and the Indian Air Force’s efforts to showcase the aircraft’s capabilities on the global stage. The Tejas was participating in the air show as part of India’s initiative to promote its defense manufacturing capabilities and attract potential export customers.
About the Tejas Fighter Aircraft
The Tejas is a state-of-the-art light combat aircraft developed entirely in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-owned enterprise. It is classified as a 4.5-generation fighter, featuring cutting-edge avionics, radar systems, and weapon capabilities that make it a highly advanced combat platform. The single-engine, multi-role fighter has been specifically designed for Indian combat needs, enabling it to fly with high agility and perform diverse missions efficiently. The aircraft is powered by General Electric engines imported from the United States, and deliveries have faced delays due to the necessity of sourcing these engines. The Indian Air Force currently operates the Mark 1 variant and is awaiting deliveries of the upgraded Mark 1A version, which includes enhanced electronic warfare systems and an AESA radar.
Dubai Air Show 2025, A Global Aviation Showcase
The Dubai Air Show has evolved into a premier global aerospace event since its humble beginnings in 1986 as a small civil aviation trade fair called “Arab Air” with only 200 exhibitors and 25 aircraft. After relocating to Dubai Airport in 1989, the biennial event has grown exponentially in scale and influence. The 2025 edition hosted over 1,200 exhibitors from around the world, with more than 200 aircraft featured in both flying and static displays. The show was expected to welcome approximately 150,000 attendees and included 12 conference sessions featuring 450 global aviation thought leaders. The event serves as a major platform for aircraft manufacturers to showcase the latest technologies, innovations in aviation safety, and cutting-edge aerospace developments to potential buyers and industry stakeholders from across the globe.
