An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon, sending shockwaves through spectators as thick black smoke erupted near the runway.
The exact circumstances of the crash are still under investigation, and it remains unclear whether the pilot successfully ejected.
Initial reports indicate the Indian-made HAL Tejas went down around 2:10 pm local time while performing an aerobatic manoeuvre before thousands of attendees. Video footage circulating online shows the aircraft making a sharp descent before hitting the ground, followed by a plume of dense black smoke rising from the crash site.
Families, children, and aviation enthusiasts watching the show were seen scrambling to safety as emergency sirens blared across Al Maktoum International Airport, the venue for the event.
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In a statement on X, the Indian Air Force confirmed the death of the pilot in the incident.
An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 21, 2025
IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.
A court of inquiry is being…
"An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief," the IAF posted.
"A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident."
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the crash site quickly filled with smoke. Security personnel evacuated nearby areas while emergency teams rushed to control the fire and secure the site.
Dubai Air Show organizers confirmed that rescue operations were underway, though no further details were provided.
What is the Tejas Fighter Jet?
The Tejas is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force and Navy. It is capable of performing a variety of missions, including:
URGENT: Plane Crashes At Dubai Air Show
— SVS NEWS AGENCY (@svsnewsagency) November 21, 2025
An Indian Air Force HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Airshow.
The incident occurred around 2:10 p.m. local time today at Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai.
It is not yet confirmed… pic.twitter.com/oYagk6Kh6A
Offensive air support
Close combat
Ground attack
Maritime operations
The aircraft comes in single-seat fighter and twin-seat trainer versions. The latest variant, the LCA Mk1A, features advanced upgrades such as:
AESA radar
Electronic warfare suite with jamming and radar warning
Digital map generator
Smart multifunction displays
Combined interrogator-transponder
Modern radio altimeter
These enhancements improve the aircraft’s operational effectiveness and survivability in combat scenarios.
Indian defense officials and HAL have not released formal statements yet. Further updates are expected once investigators secure the crash site and assess the damage.
