Fatal Crash of Indian Tejas Fighter Jet at Dubai Air Show: Pilot Loses Life in Tragic Aviation Incident

Videos obtained by NDTV capture the Indian HAL Tejas aircraft crashing at approximately 2:10 pm local time.

New Delhi:

A Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon, creating a large plume of black smoke over Al Maktoum International Airport as spectators watched in shock. The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed that the pilot lost his life in the accident.

"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," stated the IAF in an official release.

The single-seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), crashed around 2:10 pm local time, according to eyewitness accounts and video evidence sourced by NDTV.

Dubai government officials confirmed that emergency response and firefighting teams quickly arrived at the scene and are currently managing the situation on-site.

Images from the crash location revealed the charred, twisted remains of the destroyed aircraft.

Video footage suggests the pilot was unable to recover from a negative-G maneuver performed at low altitude, a signature element of Tejas aerial demonstrations. Just before impact, the aircraft appeared with level wings, but its vertical descent velocity was too great, causing the jet to strike the ground. The pilot did not eject from the aircraft.

The exact cause of the crash remains unknown at this time.

"General Anil Chauhan, CDS and all ranks of Indian Armed Forces deeply regret the incident in which 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. We deeply regret the loss of life and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief," announced the Integrated Defence Staff in their statement.

The accident occurred during the biennial Dubai Air Show, one of the premier aviation exhibitions globally. The event has featured significant announcements this week, including multi-billion-dollar aircraft purchases by Emirates and FlyDubai.

This marks the second crash involving a Tejas aircraft in under two years. In March 2024, a Tejas fighter crashed in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, which was the first such incident in the aircraft's 23-year operational history since its initial test flight in 2001. In that previous case, the pilot successfully ejected.

The Tejas is classified as a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft, designed for air-defense missions, offensive air support, and close-combat operations. It is recognized for being among the lightest and most compact fighters in its category.

A notable feature of the aircraft is its Martin-Baker zero-zero ejection seat, engineered to allow pilots to safely eject even at zero altitude and zero speed—such as during takeoff, landing, or low-altitude maneuvers. The system utilizes an explosive charge to remove the canopy, propel the pilot clear of the aircraft, and deploy parachutes for stabilized descent.

Attendees at the air show witnessed the crash from viewing areas near the runway. Video recordings showed the Tejas performing demonstration maneuvers before rapidly losing altitude. Moments later, a column of dark smoke rose, causing gasps and rapid movement among onlookers.

The Tejas program represents a cornerstone of India's efforts to modernize its aging fighter fleet and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The first Tejas squadron, No. 45 'Flying Daggers', was incorporated into the IAF in 2016.

In September, the Indian government finalized a major contract with HAL for 97 additional Tejas fighters, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. The government had previously committed to acquiring 83 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft under a 2021 agreement, though those deliveries have experienced delays.

Following the tragic incident, political leaders across India expressed their condolences.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of our brave IAF pilot in the Tejas crash at the Dubai Air Show. My heartfelt condolences to his family. The nation stands with them, honouring his courage and service," stated Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Deeply anguished at the loss of a brave and courageous IAF pilot during an aerial display in Dubai Air Show. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The nation stands firmly with the family in this tragic hour."