Dubai, UAE — Indian Tejas Fighter Jet Crash at Dubai Air Show: A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Air Show after an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during a live demonstration, resulting in the death of the pilot. The aircraft went down at Al Maktoum International Airport at approximately 3:40 PM IST on Friday, sending shockwaves across the global aviation and defence community.
The fatal Crash at Dubai Air Show marks the first time a Tejas pilot has lost his life since the aircraft took its inaugural flight in 2001.
Witnesses reported that the jet suddenly lost altitude during an aerobatic routine, plunging straight toward the ground without any gliding recovery. Moments later, the aircraft burst into flames, producing massive clouds of black smoke visible from long distances.
Pilot Confirmed Dead — Indian Air Force Issues Statement
The Indian Air Force confirmed the death of the pilot and expressed deep condolences to the family. Officials stated that a Court of Inquiry has been constituted to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The Dubai Air Show was immediately suspended, and the demonstration zone was evacuated as emergency and fire units rushed to the crash site within minutes.
What Went Wrong? Reports Suggest Loss of Control During Negative G-Force Manoeuvre
Early technical observations suggest that the pilot may have been unable to safely exit a negative G-force turn, which caused the aircraft to lose stability and vertical control.
Footage circulating online shows Tejas momentarily descending during an aerobatic loop before suddenly entering a free fall. Experts believe that the recovery attempt failed, leaving no time for ejection or corrective action.
Eyewitness Account: “Pilot Tried to Save the Crowd”
A spectator of Indian origin, Shajuddeen Jabbar, told Gulf News:
“The show was spectacular until the tragedy happened. From the way the aircraft turned before crashing, I believe the pilot tried to steer away from the spectators to save lives. It looked like he sacrificed himself to protect others.”
His statement has strengthened the belief that the pilot prioritised safety over personal survival in his final moments.
Fuel Leakage Rumours a Day Before — Official Denial
Just one day prior to the crash, social media posts claimed that there was a fuel leakage detected in the Tejas aircraft.
However, India’s Ministry of Defence categorically denied these claims and stated that the viral video related to fuel leakage was fabricated.
Previous Tejas Crash in 2024 — Pilot Survived
This is the second known incident involving the Tejas jet. The first crash occurred during a military exercise in Pokhran, Rajasthan, in 2024 due to reported engine failure. The pilot survived that accident after ejecting safely.
The Dubai crash — and the death of the pilot — marks the first fatality related to Tejas in more than two decades of its operational journey.
Why Tejas Is Unique — The Pride of Indian Aerospace
Tejas is one of India’s most advanced and most elite fighters, operating alongside Su-30MKI, Rafale, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29. Some of the features that make Tejas different include:
50% Indigenous Technology
Half of the aircraft’s mechanical systems and structural components are made in India.
Equipped with Advanced Israeli EL/M-2052 Radar
Enables Tejas to track and engage up to 10 airborne targets simultaneously.
Short Takeoff Capability
Can take off from a 460-meter runway, giving it a tactical advantage during combat missions.
Lightest in Its Class
Weighs only ~6500 kg, making it extremely agile during air combat manoeuvres.
Statement from UAE Defence Ministry
The UAE Defence Ministry confirmed the accident on social media:
“An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flight demonstration today at Dubai Air Show. Emergency response teams were deployed instantly and are working to stabilise the situation. The pilot has been declared deceased.”
Tejas Air Show History
The 2025 Dubai Air Show marked the third consecutive year of Tejas participation. The air show itself is one of the world’s largest aerospace exhibitions, held biennially since 1989 at the Al Maktoum International Airport. Major aerospace companies, military forces and aircraft manufacturers participate from across the world.
Court of Inquiry — What It Means
A Court of Inquiry is an official investigative panel used across the Indian armed forces to determine the real cause behind serious incidents such as:
- Aircraft crashes
- Operational failures
- Accidental deaths
The committee only determines causes — disciplinary or corrective action is handled separately based on the findings.
Prime Minister Modi Has Flown in Tejas
On 25 November 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew in a Tejas fighter aircraft during his visit to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru — making him the first Indian Prime Minister to fly in a fighter jet.
The Journey of Tejas — From Concept to Combat
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1983 | Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project initiated |
| 2001 | First test flight of Tejas |
| 2003 | Named “Tejas” by PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee |
| 2016 | Tejas squadron officially inducted into IAF service |
| 2021 | Final operational certification granted |
| 2024 | First crash; pilot survived |
| 2025 | Crash at Dubai Air Show — pilot killed |
Technical Combat Capabilities of Tejas
| Feature | Capability |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 2205 km/h |
| Height | 4.40 m |
| Length | 13.20 m |
| Wingspan | 8.20 m |
| Max flight range | 6500 km |
| Max operational altitude | 3000 km (approx.) |
| Air-to-air refuelling | Yes |
| Precision attack system | Multi-mission bombs & strike sensors |
| Radar technology | Detects enemy aircraft & missiles in real time |
These features make Tejas extremely effective in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat scenarios.
Global Reaction
The fatal Crash at Dubai Air Show has led to reactions and condolences from the international defence community. Military aviation experts around the world stressed the importance of analysing the crash with transparency to prevent similar incidents.
Defence analysts emphasised that despite the tragedy, Tejas remains globally respected for its indigenous engineering, advanced avionics and affordability compared to Western fighter jets.
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A Nation and the Aviation World in Mourning
India is mourning the loss of a highly trained pilot who dedicated his life to national service. Military officials highlighted the pilot’s extraordinary skill and sense of duty.
The Indian Air Force stated:
“We stand firmly with the family of our fallen pilot. His service and dedication will never be forgotten.”
Conclusion: Indian Tejas Fighter Jet Crash at Dubai Air Show
The Crash at Dubai Air Show has become one of the most shocking incidents in recent aviation history. While the cause of the accident is still under investigation, early eyewitness accounts and video recordings suggest a mid-air control failure during an advanced aerobatic manoeuvre.
The suspension of the Dubai Air Show, the swift emergency response, and the global expressions of grief underline the magnitude of the tragedy.
The world now awaits the Court of Inquiry’s report to learn what exactly went wrong — and how the legacy of Tejas can move forward while honouring the brave pilot who lost his life.
