Tragic LCA Tejas Crash at Dubai Air Show 2025: Indian Fighter Jet Accident Details and Analysis

The LCA Tejas just before it crashed at Dubai air show

New Delhi:

A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas crashed during a manoeuvre performance at the Dubai air show today. Spectators who recorded the final moments of the indigenous fighter jet shared on social media platforms that they did not observe any ejection.

The LCA Tejas that crashed belonged to a squadron based in Sulur, Tamil Nadu, and had been operational since 2016.

The compact fighter jet attempted to perform a loop manoeuvre by flying in a vertical circle. However, within moments, the Tejas impacted the ground before it could regain altitude. Smoke billowed from the crash site.

The audience at the air show, who had been enthusiastically supporting the homegrown fighter aircraft, transitioned from excitement to shock as they witnessed the incident.

A Tejas fighter has crashed during a display at Dubai air show. Awaiting info on pilot.

The LCA Tejas aircraft are designated to become the primary combat jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) following the recent retirement of the aging Russian-designed MiG-21.

IAF LCA Tejas jet crashes & bursts into flames. The pilot was killed instantly, visuals from Dubai Air Show 25!A clear video of the crash while performing the maneuver!

Tejas is recognized as the most compact and lightweight aircraft in its category, with its dimensions and extensive composite structure contributing to its reduced weight. In 2016, the inaugural IAF Squadron to incorporate the Tejas was No 45 Squadron, known as the 'Flying Daggers'.