Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes at Dubai Air Show

A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon when an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during a high-intensity aerial demonstration. The impact sent a towering plume of thick black smoke over Al Maktoum International Airport as stunned spectators watched. The IAF later confirmed that the pilot lost his life in the crash.

IAF Confirms Fatality and Announces Inquiry

In an official statement, the Indian Air Force expressed deep sorrow over the loss: the Tejas aircraft “met with an accident during an aerial display,” and the pilot suffered fatal injuries. Extending condolences to the family, the IAF also announced that a court of inquiry will investigate the cause of the crash to determine precisely what went wrong during the manoeuvre.

Crash Occurred During Aerial Display Routine

The single-seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), designed and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), went down at approximately 2:10 pm local time. Eyewitness footage circulating online showed the aircraft losing altitude rapidly before hitting the ground. Emergency and firefighting teams rushed to the site and quickly brought the situation under control, according to updates from the Dubai government.

Mangled Wreckage Found at Crash Site

Images from the area revealed burned, twisted fragments of the jet scattered across the ground—a stark reminder of the intensity of the impact. According to early assessments, the crash may have resulted from the pilot’s inability to recover the aircraft after executing a Negative G-Force turn, a manoeuvre in which the force acts opposite to gravity. Although the Tejas is equipped to perform Negative G manoeuvres, the aircraft appeared to fall freely without attempting to glide, pointing toward a failed recovery attempt.

Indian Defence Leadership Expresses Grief

The Integrated Defence Staff echoed the IAF’s sorrow, with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and all ranks of the Indian Armed Forces offering condolences. The statement reaffirmed the military’s solidarity with the pilot’s family during this difficult time.

Crash Occurs Amid Major Global Aviation Event

The accident took place during the biennial Dubai Air Show—one of the largest aviation exhibitions in the world. The event has been making headlines throughout the week, with major aircraft orders announced by Emirates and FlyDubai. This crash marks the second Tejas accident in under two years. The previous incident occurred in March 2024 in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, where the pilot managed to eject safely. That event was the first crash in the aircraft’s 23-year operational history since its maiden flight in 2001.

Tejas: India’s Light, Agile Multi-Role Fighter

The Tejas jet is a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft designed for air defence, offensive air support, and close-range engagements. Known for its lightweight frame and compact design, it remains one of the smallest fighters in its class. A major highlight of the aircraft is its Martin-Baker zero-zero ejection seat, capable of saving pilots even at zero altitude and zero speed. This advanced system jettisons the canopy, propels the pilot to safety, and deploys parachutes to stabilise descent.

Spectators Witness the Tragic Descent

Visitors standing in viewing enclosures near the runway saw the jet performing its routine shortly before it began losing altitude. Videos captured by attendees show the aircraft dropping rapidly, followed moments later by a massive cloud of smoke erupting from the crash site—prompting shock and alarm within the crowd.

Tejas Programme Remains Crucial to India’s Defence Plans

The Tejas project remains a cornerstone of India’s efforts to strengthen its fighter fleet and reduce foreign reliance. The first Tejas squadron, No. 45 ‘Flying Daggers’, was inducted into the IAF in 2016. Recently, the Indian government approved a significant order for 97 additional Tejas jets, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. This is in addition to the earlier 2021 contract for 83 Tejas Mk-1A fighters, though that delivery schedule has faced delays.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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