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Tejas crash news:One of the most influential aerospace and defence exhibitions in the world, the Dubai Air Show, sparked global buzz on Friday after an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas Light Combat Aircraft crashed during a high-speed display, killing the pilot.

It was on the last day of the 2025 edition that tragedy happened, raising questions on the event, its scale, and its significance in the global aviation calendar.

Biennial Showcase Of Global Air Power

Held biennially in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Dubai Air Show is considered one of the largest international gatherings of military and civilian aerospace companies. The first event took place in 1986 under the name “Arab Air,” with a small-scale aircraft display. It grew significantly in its 1989 and 1991 events and, after a short break, resumed in 2001, being held every two years.

Over the decades, Dubai Air Show has developed into an important meeting place for air forces, defence innovators, aircraft manufacturers, and aviation investors. It now routinely hosts over:

• 1,500 exhibitors

• Over 200 aircraft in static and flying displays

• Military delegations from over 100 countries

Global aerospace giants operating in the market include Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Embraer, and Dassault.

Stage For Major Deals And Next-Gen Technology

Known for big-ticket procurements, the airshow has consistently delivered multi-billion-dollar deals in the domain of defence and commercial aviation. Until now, the 2025 edition has witnessed:

• flydubai inked a USD 24 billion deal for 150 Airbus A321neos

• Etihad announced major fleet expansions

• Emirates confirmed new Airbus A350 purchases

• Gulf Air and FlySafair signed fresh Boeing commitments

• UAE's EDGE Group unveiled 42 new defence products

Indeed, it has long played the role of a stage on which new military platforms, experimental aircraft, and breakthroughs in aerospace technology are unveiled.

India Showcases Air Prowess

India has steadily increased its profile at the Dubai Air Show. For 2025, Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth led the national delegation, inaugurating the India Pavilion showcasing HAL, DRDO, BrahMos, and several start-ups under the iDEX programme.

The Indian Air Force deployed, Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and LCA Tejas fighter aircraft.Tejas’ presence was part of India’s ongoing effort to pitch the indigenous fighter jet to potential foreign buyers.

Tejas Crash And Its Impact

The accident happened at around 2:10 pm local time when the Tejas, performing a high-speed aerobatic manoeuvre, lost altitude and crashed near the venue perimeter. Videos captured a thick plume of smoke rising out as emergency teams rushed to the spot. Later, the IAF confirmed that the pilot died after he failed to eject.

The crash cast a sombre shadow over the final day of the show, which otherwise had been marked by record attendance, major industry announcements and powerful displays of military strength.

ALSO READ: Tejas Crash Video: Last Moments Of IAF's Fighter Jet Captured On Camera Before Fatal Crash | Watch

While the Dubai Air Show is known for its meticulous safety protocols and highly coordinated aerial displays, Friday’s incident has become one of the most serious mishaps in its recent history. UAE authorities and the IAF have launched parallel inquiries to determine what led to the fatal crash.

ALSO READ: Tejas Jet Crash: IAF's Fighter Jet Explodes Into Flames After Crashing At Dubai Air Show, Pilot Killed | Watch Video

For now, the Tejas accident has placed the 2025 edition of the Dubai Air Show under a sharp spotlight, not only for the scale of the event but for the tragic loss of the Indian pilot during what was intended to be a showcase of India’s growing aerospace capability.

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