Indian fighter jet crashes during Dubai Air Show, killing pilot
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An Indian fighter jet crashed at the Dubai Air Show in the United Arab Emirates on Friday, killing the pilot, officials said.
Videos circulating on social media showed the IAF Tejas aircraft bursting into flames as it hit the ground, leaving the crowd gathered at the event breathless.
“The pilot was fatally injured in the accident,” the Indian Air Force said in its letter to X, adding that an investigation was ongoing to determine the cause of the accident. “IAF is deeply saddened by the loss of life and stands with the bereaved family during this time of grief.”
“A Tejas fighter jet from India participating in today’s flight demonstration at the Dubai Airshow crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot,” Dubai Media Office added. “Firefighting and emergency crews responded quickly to the incident and are currently managing the situation onsite.”
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Emergency services arrive at the scene after an Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Dubai Media Office via AP)
An SUV with diplomatic plates bearing the Indian flag was seen at the scene of the accident, along with police and emergency personnel.
The air show later resumed flight demonstrations, the Associated Press reported; The Russian Knights aerobatic team was flying overhead while emergency crews were still working at the crash site.
Tejas is India’s indigenous fighter aircraft built by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
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In this screenshot taken from an eyewitness video, smoke rises after the crash of the Indian Tejas fighter jet, which lost altitude and crashed during an air show at the Dubai Air Show. (Jignesh Variya/Reuters)
The light, single-engine jet is expected to bolster India’s depleted fighter fleet as China expands its military presence in South Asia, including strengthening defense ties with India’s rival Pakistan, according to the AP.
In September, the Indian Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to supply 97 Tejas jets for its air force. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.
The Indian fighter jet is seen flying during the demonstration moments before crashing at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, November 21, 2025. (Jon Gambrell/AP)
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Last year, a Tejas fighter jet crashed in India’s western state of Rajasthan, but the pilot ejected safely from the plane in that incident.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
