A Tejas fighter jet crashed during a display at the ongoing Dubai Air Show 2025 at Al Maktoum International Airport on Friday. The pilot died in the fatal incident, the Indian Air Force confirmed in a statement.
“The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. The Indian Air Force 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,” the IAF said.
Footage of the crash has surfaced on social media, showing the jet nosediving before hitting the ground. A massive explosion occurred, and a large plume of fire erupted after the plane crashed.
The HAL-manufactured aircraft went down around 02:10 pm local time while performing manoeuvres in front of a large audience.
This is the second incident of Tejas crashing. Earlier, in 2024, a Tejas had crashed in Pokhran, Rajasthan, due to engine failure.
About Tejas Jet
The Tejas is a 4.5-generation, multi-role combat aircraft designed for air-defence duties, offensive air support, and close-combat missions. It is recognised as one of the smallest and lightest fighter jets in its category.
One of its standout safety features is the Martin-Baker zero-zero ejection seat, which enables a pilot to eject safely even at zero speed and zero altitude, including during take-off, landing, or low-level manoeuvres. The mechanism works by detonating an explosive charge that jettisons the canopy, propels the pilot away from the aircraft, and then deploys parachutes to ensure a controlled descent.
At the air show, spectators watched the crash unfold from viewing zones near the runway. Videos captured the Tejas performing its display routine before suddenly losing height and plunging downward. Moments later, thick black smoke billowed into the sky, triggering shock and panic among onlookers.
The Tejas project is a key component of India’s push to upgrade its ageing fighter fleet and cut reliance on imported defence platforms. The first Tejas unit, No. 45 ‘Flying Daggers’, joined the Indian Air Force in 2016.
