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

Nov 21, 2025 10:25 pm CST

A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Air Show when an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial demonstration, resulting in the death of the pilot. The single-seat Light Combat Aircraft, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, appeared to fail recovery from a negative-G maneuver at low altitude. Emergency teams responded immediately as the crash sent black smoke billowing over Al Maktoum International Airport. This marks only the second crash in the aircraft's 23-year operational history, triggering an official investigation as the Indian government recently signed contracts for additional Tejas fighters.