Pilot Dies as Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes and Turns Into Fireball at Dubai Air Show
A tragic incident took place at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon when an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft burst into flames moments after impact. The IAF confirmed the death and expressed condolences to the pilot’s family.
The incident has drawn global attention because this is one of the few accidents involving the Tejas programme.
The IAF said the aircraft crashed during a demonstration routine and a court of inquiry will now investigate the cause. Fire and emergency teams at Al Maktoum International Airport responded quickly and contained the blaze.
What happened during the manoeuvre
Sources said the pilot failed to recover from a negative G-force turn during the routine. Videos from the event show the aircraft descending sharply before hitting the ground and erupting into flames. Spectators gasped as a plume of thick black smoke rose over the runway.
#Tejas aircraft crashed while a low altitude maneuver at Dubai Air Show.
— CJ (Citizen Journalist 🇮🇳 My Bharat My Family) (@CitizenJournoIN) November 21, 2025
No visuals of ejection detected. Praying for Pilot's safety.🙏 pic.twitter.com/Z2RHeq3jUm
Official statement from IAF
The IAF released a statement saying the aircraft met with an accident during its aerial manoeuvre. The statement added that the force stands with the bereaved family and will fully investigate the incident.
An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 21, 2025
IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.
A court of inquiry is being…
About the aircraft
The Tejas is a single-seat Light Combat Aircraft designed and built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is known for being lightweight, highly manoeuvrable, and capable of various combat roles including:
• Air defence
• Offensive air support
• Close combat missions
The aircraft features a Martin-Baker zero-zero ejection system designed to help pilots eject safely even at zero altitude and zero speed. However, the severity of this crash meant the pilot could not be saved.
Previous Tejas incidents
This is the second Tejas crash in the last two years. In March 2024, another aircraft went down in Jaisalmer, though the pilot ejected safely. That was the first crash since the model’s first test flight in 2001.
Why the crash is significant
The incident comes at a time when Tejas is central to India’s plan to modernise its fighter fleet. The government recently cleared major new orders for additional Tejas jets, with deliveries planned over the next few years.
The tragedy is likely to spark fresh discussions about safety procedures during complex aerial demonstrations. Aviation experts and defence analysts are expected to review the sequence of events closely once the inquiry begins, especially with growing public attention on air show safety worldwide.
