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An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet performing at the Dubai Air Show crashed during an aerial display on Friday afternoon, killing the pilot. The accident occurred at around 2:10 pm local time, as thousands of spectators watched the light combat aircraft streak across the sky during a demonstration sortie.
Eyewitness videos circulating online show the aircraft losing control during a high-speed manoeuvre before nosing over and crashing away from the grandstand area. A massive plume of smoke rose above the airfield as emergency response teams rushed to the site, though attempts to save the pilot proved unsuccessful.
IAF Confirms Fatality, Court of Inquiry Announced
In an official statement, the IAF expressed deep sorrow over the loss and said a high-level probe has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash.
“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. IAF 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,” an Air Force Spokesperson said.
Rare Accident Involving India’s Indigenous Fighter Jet
The crash is only the second recorded loss of an LCA Tejas since the aircraft entered service. Earlier, in March 2024, a Tejas Mk-1 crashed near Jaisalmer shortly after participating in a major tri-services military exercise Bharat Shakti at the Pokhran firing range. In that incident, the pilot had ejected safely.
The Tejas entered IAF service in 2016, and the force currently operates two squadrons of the Mk-1 variant. Both aircraft involved in the two crashes so far belonged to the initial IOC and more advanced FOC configurations of the Mk-1 fleet.
Comes Amid Push for Advanced Mk-1A Induction
The tragedy comes at a sensitive time, as the IAF prepares to induct the Tejas Mk-1A—an upgraded version featuring advanced electronics, improved maintainability, and expanded weapons capability—intended to replace ageing MiG-21s in frontline service.
Dubai Air Show Continues as Investigation Begins
The Dubai Air Show, one of the world’s largest aviation showcases, is being held in its 40th anniversary year and began on November 17. The five-day event was scheduled to conclude today, the same day the Tejas went down.
The area around the crash site has been secured, and further updates are expected as the inquiry begins and more details emerge.
Team BharatShakti
