An Indian-made HAL Tejas combat aircraft crashed in flames during a public demonstration at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, killing the pilot. The aircraft went down shortly after 14:00 local time (10:00 GMT) while performing at Dubai World Central on the final day of the event.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed the pilot sustained "fatal injuries" and said it has launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. "IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief," the service said in a statement.
Images circulated by Indian media and eyewitnesses showed the jet engulfed in flames with a thick column of black smoke rising from the scene. Witnesses reported the aircraft was flying at low altitude before it appeared to descend rapidly.
The crash set off sirens across Al Maktoum International Airport, where the biennial airshow — expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors — was taking place. Emergency and firefighting teams responded quickly and worked to clear wreckage; air displays resumed less than two hours later once the site had been secured.
Background and wider context
The Tejas, produced by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a cornerstone of India's effort to modernize its air force. This is the second recorded crash involving the type; a Tejas aircraft suffered an accident in the Indian state of Rajasthan earlier in the year, although that pilot survived.
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions between India and Pakistan, during which both countries reported combat engagements and aircraft losses. Some claims about aircraft losses during those clashes remain contested or were later clarified by military officials. Analysts have also noted the role of external suppliers in shaping regional air capabilities.
Investigation and next steps
The IAF and relevant authorities have opened formal investigations to establish the circumstances of the crash. Officials have not yet released a timeline for findings. Further information will be provided as investigators complete on-site examinations and review flight and technical data.
"Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site," a Dubai media office said.
Authorities have not confirmed any additional injuries. Updates are expected as the inquiry progresses and officials review telemetry, maintenance history, and eyewitness accounts.
