Indian Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes at Dubai Air Show

An Indian-built Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flying display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, killing the pilot. Emergency teams rushed to the scene as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

The aircraft went down at around 2:10pm local time after attempting a low roll, crashing in flames roughly 1.6 kilometres from the show area at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai World Central. Spectators had gathered across the site to watch the aerial demonstrations.

Witnesses reported that the jet had made several passes before appearing to lose control and dive towards the ground. Officials in Dubai confirmed that the pilot did not eject.

Authorities said a Tejas fighter taking part in the display had crashed, resulting in the pilot’s death. The Indian Air Force later confirmed the loss, expressing condolences to the family and announcing that a court of inquiry will investigate the cause of the accident.

The Tejas is a single-engine, lightweight fighter aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). India has ordered 97 units to strengthen its air force, which largely consists of Russian and older Soviet-era aircraft, amid rising regional military tensions.

Friday’s incident marks the second reported crash involving a Tejas jet. A previous crash occurred during an exercise in Rajasthan in 2024, where the pilot managed to eject safely. Delivery of the jets has faced delays due to the need to import General Electric engines from the United States.