Tejas Fighter jet Crashes at Dubai Airshow, Pilot Dies
A HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed at dubai World Central on Friday at approximately 2:00 PM local time (10:00 GMT) during a presentation at the Dubai Airshow. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, marking the second known crash of the aircraft.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed the pilot’s death via social media, stating they had launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the crash. ”IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the statement read.
Witnesses reported the jet was flying at a low altitude before rapidly descending in flames, with photos circulating in Indian media showing the aircraft engulfed in fire and a large plume of black smoke. The crash triggered sirens at Al Maktoum International Airport, the venue for the biennial aviation event expected to attract around 150,000 attendees. It was not immediately clear if any other individuals where injured.
The Government of Dubai Media Office acknowledged the “tragic” loss of the pilot on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a photo of crews working to clear debris at the crash site.They stated, “Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site.”
Air demonstrations resumed less than two hours after the crash, following the completion of initial cleanup efforts.
The Tejas jet is manufactured by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and represents a key component of New Delhi’s efforts to modernize its air force, especially in light of China’s support for Pakistan’s air capabilities.
This incident represents a further setback for the Indian Air Force. In March of last year, a Tejas jet crashed in the state of Rajasthan, as reported by NDTV.The pilot in that incident survived.
The crash occurs amidst heightened regional tensions. In May of last year, India and Pakistan engaged in aerial combat involving fighter jets and cruise missiles following an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistan claimed to have downed at least five Indian jets, a claim initially dismissed by India as “disinformation.” Though, an Indian general later admitted to jet losses. US President Donald Trump also stated that “five, four or five, but I think five jets” were shot down. A US-China Economic and security Review Commission report later indicated the loss of three Indian jets. The report also highlighted that China supplied over 80% of Pakistan’s arms imports between 2019 and 2023.
