Indian Air Force Tejas jet crashes during Dubai Air Show

DUBAI (RNN TV) —  An Indian-built Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flying display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, resulting in the death of the pilot, according to reports from international news agencies.

Authorities in Dubai confirmed that emergency teams quickly reached the crash site, where firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.

Details of the incident

The crash occurred at around 2:10 pm local time (1010 GMT) after the aircraft executed a low-altitude roll and went down in flames roughly 1.6 kilometres from the air show venue. Large crowds had gathered at Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai World Central, to watch the aerial demonstrations.

According to the Associated Press, the Tejas had made several passes over the display area before appearing to lose control and plummeting directly into the ground. The pilot did not eject and was killed in the crash.

Dubai’s state-run media office said on X (formerly Twitter): “A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today’s flying display at the Dubai Airshow has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot.”

The Indian Air Force later confirmed the fatality, stating: “IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” adding that a court of inquiry had been ordered to determine the cause of the accident.

Footage of the incident was shared on social media by NDTV journalist Aditya Raj Kaul, who noted that there were no signs of an ejection.

About the Tejas aircraft

The Tejas is a single-engine, lightweight fighter jet developed by India’s state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). India’s Defence Ministry recently ordered 97 units as part of efforts to modernise its air force, which still relies heavily on ageing Russian and Soviet-era platforms amid rising regional tensions involving China and Pakistan.

Friday’s incident marks the second reported crash involving the Tejas. Another jet went down during an exercise in Rajasthan in 2024, though the pilot survived that crash.

Production and delivery of the aircraft have faced delays due to dependence on US-made General Electric engines.

— Information from this report is based on coverage by the Associated Press and other international news agencies.