Tejas fighter jet crashes at Dubai air show, pilot killed
New Delhi, Nov 21: A Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed on Friday during an aerial demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, resulting in the death of its pilot, reports NDTV. The IAF confirmed the tragedy and said that a court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident. According to videos sourced by NDTV, the HAL-built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas went down around 2:10 pm local time, sending up a thick plume of black smoke over Al Maktoum International Airport.
Emergency response teams immediately rushed to the site and began managing the situation, reports NDTV.
In a statement, the IAF said: “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 Integrated Defence Staff also issued condolences, stating that the Indian Armed Forces “deeply regret the loss of life” and stand with the pilot’s family.
Citing sources, NDTV reported that the pilot may have failed to recover from a Negative G-force manoeuvre during the display. The aircraft appeared to free-fall instead of gliding, as seen in multiple videos from the air show. Negative G-force refers to force applied in the opposite direction of gravity, a high-risk aerial condition that Tejas is otherwise capable of performing. Visuals circulating online show charred debris from the crash site, with firefighting teams working rapidly to contain the blaze.
The crash occurred during the biennial Dubai Air Show, one of the world’s biggest aviation events, which has featured major aircraft deals this year by airlines such as Emirates and FlyDubai. Crowds witnessed the crash from viewing enclosures near the runway, prompting shock and panic among spectators. This is the second Tejas crash in less than two years. In March 2024, another Tejas aircraft crashed in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, then marking the first accident in the jet’s 23-year history since its maiden test flight in 2001.
About the Tejas
The HAL Tejas is a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft, designed for Air defence missions, offensive air support, close-combat operations It is known as one of the smallest and lightest fighter jets in its category. A notable feature is its Martin-Baker zero-zero ejection seat, designed to allow the pilot to eject safely even at zero altitude and zero speed.
India has heavily invested in the Tejas programme to modernise its ageing fleet and reduce reliance on foreign combat aircraft. In September 2025, the Government signed a major deal with HAL for 97 additional Tejas jets, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. A court of inquiry will now examine all factors that led to the crash, as the IAF and HAL face renewed scrutiny over safety procedures during high-stress aerial manoeuvres.
