Dubai – An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during a display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, killing the pilot, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred around 2.10 p.m. local time at Al Maktoum International Airport, about 1.6 kilometres from the main display area.
Eyewitnesses reported the jet had performed several low passes before it appeared to lose control and dive toward the ground in flames. Black smoke was seen rising from the crash site as emergency teams and firefighters responded to contain the blaze.
Dubai’s state-run media office posted on social media: “A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today’s flying display at the Dubai Airshow has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot.” The Indian Air Force confirmed the pilot’s death and said a court of inquiry would investigate the cause.
The Tejas is a single-engine, lightweight jet built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to strengthen India’s air force, which relies largely on Russian and ex-Soviet aircraft. India has ordered 97 of the jets amid growing military tensions with China and Pakistan. Friday’s crash is the second involving a Tejas; another occurred during a 2024 exercise in Rajasthan, where the pilot survived. Delays in deliveries have been linked to importing General Electric engines from the United States.
India’s Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan expressed condolences, saying the armed forces “stand firmly with the pilot’s bereaved family.”
The Dubai Air Show 2025, hosted at Al Maktoum International Airport, drew more than 148,000 attendees and 1,500 companies. The fatal crash occurred on the final day of the exhibition, which began on Monday.
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