Key Points
- Indian HAL Tejas crashed at 2:10 pm local time during aerial demonstration at Dubai Air Show
- Pilot ejection status unclear, emergency response teams immediately deployed to crash site
- Video footage shows aircraft descending rapidly before striking ground and exploding into flames
- Crowd including women and children witnessed the crash, audible shock captured on recordings
- Indian Air Force official statement still awaited, marking potential second Tejas crash
- Incident occurs as India showcases indigenous fighter for export markets
Dubai: The Indian-made Tejas light combat aircraft went down around 2:10 pm local time while performing aerial maneuvers before a large crowd at the biennial Dubai Air Show. The fighter jet, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), was participating in a demonstration flight when it experienced what appeared to be a technical malfunction after takeoff. Thick black smoke rose over the airport as spectators, including families with children, watched the unfolding disaster. The crash marks a significant setback for India’s indigenous fighter program as it seeks to establish itself in the global defense export market.
Video Evidence Shows Rapid Descent
Dramatic video footage sourced by news agencies shows the Tejas fighter jet descending rapidly during its demonstration routine. The aircraft appears to struggle as the pilot attempts to accelerate and regain altitude, but the plane suddenly strikes the ground and erupts into a ball of flames. The person recording the video can be heard uttering a frightened exclamation as the explosion occurs. The footage clearly captures the fighter jet hitting the ground, followed by a loud explosion and fire, with emergency sirens sounding in the background. The video has been widely circulated on social media platforms, drawing attention to the incident.
No ejection. Heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/4V34vwZUEn
— Angad Singh (@zone5aviation) November 21, 2025
Pilot Status Remains Uncertain
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the pilot managed to eject from the aircraft before impact. Multiple news sources report that it remains unclear if the pilot ejected, with an official statement from the Indian Air Force still awaited. The uncertainty surrounding the pilot’s fate has raised concerns, as the Tejas is equipped with ejection seats for pilot safety. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site, but no official updates have been provided regarding the pilot’s condition.
Context of India’s Indigenous Fighter Program
The Tejas is India’s first home-grown fighter jet, a single-engine, multi-role light combat aircraft developed for the Indian Air Force and Navy. The delta-wing fighter features indigenous design elements, and its upgraded Mark 1A variant includes advanced avionics, an AESA radar, and enhanced electronic warfare systems. The aircraft entered IAF service in 2015 after its first flight in 2001. The crash at Dubai Air Show, a premier event for aviation deals and demonstrations, occurs as India showcases its defense manufacturing capabilities and seeks export customers for the Tejas program.
Official Response Awaited
The Indian Air Force and HAL have not yet released an official statement confirming the cause of the crash or the pilot’s status. The incident has prompted discussions about the Tejas program’s reliability, though officials have dismissed false reports about an oil leakage as the cause. The Dubai Air Show, hosted at Al Maktoum International Airport, continues with other demonstrations as organizers and Indian authorities assess the situation. Veteran fighter planes from around the world are participating in the event, making the Tejas crash a notable incident in this year’s showcase.
