Pilot dead after fighter jet crashes at Dubai Air Show

The pilot of an Indian fighter jet died when the plane crashed during a demonstration flight for the audience at the Dubai Air Show.

The Indian HAL Tejas, a fighter jet used by the Indian Air Force, crashed on Friday afternoon after the pilot flew several times at the biennial air show site in Dubai.

The plane appeared to lose control and dive straight towards the ground just before hitting the airport.

The Indian Air Force confirmed the crash and said “the pilot suffered fatal injuries in the accident.”

“IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands with the bereaved family during this painful time,” he said, adding that “a court of inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.”

Black smoke billowed over Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Center as crowds of onlookers watched and sirens blared after the crash.

Dubai police and airport officials did not comment on the matter.

The city-state’s second airport was home to the biennial Dubai Air Show, where major aircraft orders were placed by both long-haul carrier Emirates and low-cost sister airline FlyDubai.

Tejas is India’s indigenous fighter aircraft built by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

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.

In September, India’s defense ministry 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 government has also signed an agreement with HAL for 83 Tejas aircraft in 2021.

Deliveries expected in 2024 have been delayed largely due to a shortage of engines that need to be imported from the United States.