• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Dubai Tejas Crash: A Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) crashed during a high-speed demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon, prompting emergency evacuations and raising concerns about the fate of the pilot, according to initial reports from local media agencies.

Tejas Jet Goes Down During Aerial Display

According to reports attributed to AP, the single-engine fighter, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), was performing an aerobatic manoeuvre when it went down at approximately 2:10 pm local time. The aircraft reportedly lost altitude rapidly before hitting the ground near the Dubai airport perimeter, sending up a dense column of black smoke visible across the venue.

The crash occurred on the concluding day of the biennial Dubai Air Show 2025, which had drawn thousands of visitors, including families and aviation enthusiasts. Many were reportedly caught off guard as black smoke rose over the Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, leading to moments of confusion and panic.

Footage circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing from the crash spot as emergency teams rushed to secure the area. Fire tenders and ambulances were deployed immediately, with portions of the air show grounds cordoned off for safety.

Pilot Dies As Fighter Jet Crashes

Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed that the pilot died in the crash. "An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. Indian Air Force 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 of the accident," the IAF said in a statement. 

According to reports from local media, the pilot failed to recover from a negative G-Force turn. Negative G-Force is the force experienced in a direction opposite to that of gravity. 

ALSO READ: HAL Signs Major Deal With GE Aerospace For Procurement of 113 Engines For IAF’s Tejas Mk-1A Aircraft | Details

The Indian-made Tejas jet, showcased at several global defence events over the past few years, was part of India’s continued efforts to promote indigenous military aviation capabilities. The aircraft’s presence at Dubai was seen as part of an ongoing outreach to potential buyers in the Middle East and beyond. Local authorities, along with air show organisers, are in the process of determining the cause of the accident.

ALSO READ: India-Made Tejas MK 1A Completes First Public Sortie In Nashik; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Attends | Watch

The Dubai Air Show, known for hosting some of the world’s most advanced fighter jets, drones, and aircraft technology, has traditionally maintained stringent safety protocols. Friday’s crash, however, cast a shadow over the event’s final day and drew immediate global attention.

With inputs from agency.

Also In News