An Indian fighter jet Tejas crash in Dubai Air Show occurred during a flying demonstration. Get the latest updates on the Tejas crash in Dubai Air Show, pilot status, and the official response.
DUBAI – An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, sending a large plume of black smoke over Al Maktoum International Airport. The incident involving the Indian fighter jet occurred on the final day of the major aviation event
Incident Details and Eyewitness Accounts
The Tejas crash in Dubai Air Show took place around 2:10 PM local time during the aircraft’s scheduled display. Eyewitnesses and videos from the scene show the single-seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) performing maneuvers before losing altitude and crashing, resulting in a significant fireball and column of smoke.
Spectators at the airshow watched in shock as emergency response teams immediately rushed to the scene. The airshow was temporarily halted following the incident, with visitors being directed away from the viewing areas.
Pilot Status and Previous Incidents
There was no immediate official confirmation about the condition of the pilot or whether an ejection was attempted. The Tejas aircraft is equipped with a Martin-Baker zero-zero ejection seat, designed to allow pilots to eject safely even at low altitudes and speeds.
This marks the second crash involving a Tejas aircraft in less than two years. In March 2024, a Tejas fighter went down in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, though the pilot in that incident ejected safely. The current incident involving the Indian fighter jet represents a significant setback for the program.
Background of the Tejas Program and Previous Concerns
The Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft that forms a crucial part of India’s efforts to modernize its air force and reduce dependency on foreign aircraft suppliers.
Earlier reports from defense publications had suggested the aircraft might have experienced a fuel leak during previous demonstrations, though Indian defense officials had denied these claims, stating that viral videos showed routine condensation drainage rather than any mechanical issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Airshow on November 21, 2025, resulting in a large fire and smoke visible across the airfield.
There has been no official confirmation about the pilot’s condition. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the pilot ejected successfully or not.
No, this is the second crash involving a Tejas aircraft. The first occurred in March 2024 in Rajasthan, though the pilot in that incident ejected safely.
The Tejas is a single-seat, multi-role combat aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force. It’s known for being one of the lightest fighters in its class.
An official statement from the Indian Air Force is still awaited. The incident is currently under investigation.
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