Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes at Dubai Air Show
DUBAI, UAE – An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show in the United Arab Emirates on November 21, 2025, at approximately 14:10 local time. Video footage shows the aircraft impacting the ground during a maneuver, followed by an explosion. The incident occurred while the air show was open to the public.
The crash of the Tejas, IndiaS domestically developed light fighter-bomber, raises concerns about the program’s future as New Delhi seeks to modernize its aging air force with dozens of ordered Tejas aircraft. The disaster at a major international event could substantially impact the reputation of the Tejas program and possibly affect future orders and international partnerships. the Indian air Force has confirmed the incident and promised further details.
The Tejas is a single-engine, multirole combat aircraft designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). India has been investing heavily in the development of the Tejas to reduce its reliance on foreign arms suppliers.
The status of the pilot is currently unknown. Authorities have stated that more information will be released as it becomes available.
(Cover image credit: Anuwar Hazarika/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
VIDEO Dubai: A Tejas fighter jet taking part in the Dubai Air Show nosedived during an aerial display and crashed this afternoon. The HAL-manufactured aircraft went down around pm local time while performing manoeuvres in front of a large audience. An official statement from… pic.twitter.com/qirtaKLivu https://t.co/qirtaKLivu
– Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 21, 2025
