A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Airshow 2025 on Friday when an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at Al Maktoum International Airport. The aircraft went down in front of thousands of spectators, catching fire moments after impact.
The incident resulted in the death of the pilot, both Dubai Media Office and Indian Air Force have confirmed.
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that a court of inquiry has been established to determine what caused the crash.
What Happened
The Indian HAL Tejas, a combat aircraft used in the Indian Air Force, was performing its scheduled afternoon demonstration when witnesses saw it lose altitude rapidly. A column of black smoke rose almost instantly, causing panic among visitors who had gathered for one of the airshow’s most anticipated segments.
Rescue teams responded within minutes, and the flying programme was temporarily halted as Civil Defence, police, paramedics, and a rescue helicopter rushed to the site. Despite the rapid response, the IAF later confirmed that the pilot sustained fatal injuries that cost his life.
About the Tejas Fighter Jet
The Tejas is a single-engine, multirole light combat aircraft designed and built in India. Known for its agile delta-wing design, the aircraft is part of India’s long-term plan to modernise its fleet and reduce dependency on foreign imports.
With the unfortunate crash the Indian Air Force is trying to find the cause of the accident.
This year’s Dubai Airshow ran from November 17–21, hosting over 1,500 exhibitors and featuring one of the world’s biggest aviation showcases. Aerial displays resumed later in the day, but the mood remained sombre as news of the pilot’s death spread.
Videos of the crash quickly circulated online, and authorities in the UAE are now working closely with Indian officials as investigations continue.
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