A Tejas fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, sending thick black smoke over Al Maktoum International Airport and triggering an immediate emergency response.

The aircraft went down mid-display, with early reports noting uncertainty over whether the pilot had managed to eject. Purported videos of the crash circulated widely online, including posts claiming there was no visible ejection. The plane appeared to lose control and dive directly toward the ground just prior to crashing inside the grounds of the airfield.

The IAF issued an official statement confirming the death of the pilot.

“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.

A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident.”

Witnesses report flames and rapid emergency deployment

Spectators at Dubai World Central’s Al Maktoum International Airport said black smoke rose from the crash site moments after impact, prompting sirens and swift movement of rescue teams.

An eyewitness said the aircraft executed a low roll before crashing in flames about 1.6 kilometres from the show site.
Part of the biennial Dubai Air Show

The incident occurred during the biennial Dubai Air Show, a major global aviation exhibition known for significant commercial announcements from carriers such as Emirates and FlyDubai. The HAL-built Tejas was performing a scheduled demonstration when it went down. It crashed around 2:10 p.m. local time after the pilot had flown across the site of the biennial air show in Dubai several times.

Purported videos of the crash have emerged online.

Dubai police and airport officials offered no immediate comment.

Second crash in Tejas history

This tragedy marks only the second crash involving a Tejas aircraft. The first occurred in March 2024 near Jaisalmer, when a fighter went down during a sortie. In that case, the pilot ejected safely. The 2024 incident was the first accident in the aircraft’s 23-year development and operational history since its maiden test flight in 2001.

Tejas: India’s 4.5-generation multi-role fighter

The LCA Tejas is a 4.5-generation, all-weather, multi-role fighter designed for offensive air support, close combat and ground attack operations. It is also equipped to undertake ground and maritime missions, offering strong versatility across combat roles.

India–Germany defence pact signed at the air show

On 19 November, India and Germany revived high-technology defence collaboration after nearly three decades. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a landmark contract with German state-backed sensor major HENSOLDT at the Dubai Air Show.

The pact focuses on the joint development of a LiDAR-based Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS) for Indian military helicopters. The agreement, finalised on Day 3 of the event, has drawn global attention within aerospace circles and marks a significant return to advanced cooperation between the two nations.