Pilot Dies After IAF Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes And Catches Fire During Dubai Air Show
Pilot Dies After IAF Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes And Catches Fire During Dubai Air Show
Dubai, November 21, 2025: A Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed on Friday afternoon during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, sending a thick plume of black smoke over Al Maktoum International Airport as crowds watched in shock. The IAF confirmed that the pilot died in the crash.
The IAF stated, “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.”
The aircraft—a single-seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)—crashed around 2:10 pm local time. Sources said the pilot failed to recover from a negative G-force turn, a force felt opposite to gravity.
The crash occurred during the biennial Dubai Air Show, one of the world’s largest aviation events, which has seen major announcements, including multi-billion-dollar aircraft orders by Emirates and FlyDubai.
This is the second Tejas crash in less than two years. In March 2024, a Tejas fighter went down in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer—the first such accident since the jet’s maiden test flight in 2001. That pilot had ejected safely.
The Tejas, a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter, is designed for air defence, offensive support, and close-combat operations. It is known for being one of the lightest in its class and features a Martin-Baker zero-zero ejection seat, allowing safe ejection at zero speed and zero altitude.
Spectators at the air show saw the aircraft performing a routine before rapidly losing altitude. Moments later, a column of smoke rose, prompting alarm among visitors.
The Tejas programme remains central to India’s efforts to modernise its fighter fleet and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The first Tejas squadron, No. 45 ‘Flying Daggers’, was inducted in 2016.
