DUBAI: In a shocking incident that cast a pall over the international aviation event, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed on Friday afternoon while performing an aerobatic display at the Dubai Air Show. The HAL-built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) nosedived around 2:10 pm local time, resulting in a fiery crash.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the tragic news in a statement, announcing that the pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. “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,” the statement read.
Eyewitnesses at the DWC Dubai Airshow Site reported seeing black smoke billowing from the crash site moments after the jet went down while executing a maneuver. The crash sparked panic among spectators, which included families and children.
The Government of Dubai Media Office also acknowledged the incident, stating that emergency and firefighting teams responded rapidly to manage the situation on-site. The Tejas was part of the Indian contingent showcasing the indigenous 4.5-generation all-weather combat aircraft at the prestigious air show, which runs from November 17–21. The incident marks a devastating setback for the program aimed at showcasing India’s defence manufacturing capabilities on the global stage.
