IAF Tejas Crashes at Dubai Air Show, Pilot Killed
India orders court of inquiry as indigenous fighter jet goes down during live aerial display
- Tejas fighter jet crashed during demonstration at Dubai Air Show; pilot lost his life
- Thick smoke and panic among spectators as emergency teams rushed to site
- IAF announces court of inquiry to determine cause of accident
- Tejas is India’s 4.5-generation multirole indigenous combat aircraft
GG News Bureau
Dubai, 21st Nov: A Tejas fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on Friday during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show, claiming the life of its pilot. The incident occurred around 2:10 pm local time as the jet performed a manoeuvre before thousands of spectators.
The IAF confirmed the accident and expressed condolences. “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.
The crash triggered a massive fireball, with thick black smoke rising from the site near the airport. Families and children attending the show were seen rushing to safety as emergency response units swiftly moved in. Authorities in the UAE said firefighting and medical teams are “currently managing the situation on-site”.
Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter designed for air-to-air combat, offensive support, and ground attack operations. It is built for both ground and maritime missions, and is among India’s most advanced homegrown defence platforms.
The latest LCA Mk1A variant features upgraded combat systems including AESA radar, an advanced electronic warfare suite, and smart cockpit technologies, boosting both survivability and operational capability.
Further details on the cause of the crash are awaited as the investigation begins.
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