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Indian Tejas Fighter Crashes in Fiery Dubai Air Show Accident — Pilot Killed

An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show on Nov. 21, killing the pilot after the aircraft burst into flames on impact. The IAF confirmed the fatality and said a court of inquiry will investigate the cause. The Tejas is a 4.5-generation aircraft built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and features a "zero-zero" ejection seat. Officials and the air show organizers have offered condolences while the investigation continues.

03:51 AM, 11/22/2025Security
Indian Tejas Fighter Crashes in Fiery Dubai Air Show Accident — Pilot Killed

An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Nov. 21, killing the pilot when the single-seat aircraft burst into flames on impact. The incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. local time at Al Maktoum International Airport while spectators watched.

The Indian Air Force confirmed the pilot sustained fatal injuries. In an official statement, the IAF said:

"An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief."

At the time of reporting, the cause of the crash was not yet known. The IAF said a court of inquiry will be constituted to investigate the circumstances and determine the cause of the accident.

The Tejas is a 4.5-generation, multi-role combat aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The jet features a "zero-zero" ejection seat intended to allow pilots to eject safely at low altitude and low speed and is designed to perform demanding flight maneuvers.

India's defense minister, Rajnath Singh, expressed deep sorrow, calling the pilot "brave and courageous" and offering his "heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The nation stands firmly with the family in this tragic hour."

The Dubai Air Show, held every two years, is one of the world's largest aviation exhibitions. This year’s event also included major commercial announcements from regional carriers about large aircraft purchases.

India has been modernizing its air force over the past decade and showcased the Tejas as part of efforts to replace aging Cold War-era MiG-21 fighters following a series of fatal incidents. In 2023, New Delhi temporarily grounded its remaining MiG-21 fleet after a crash in Rajasthan that killed three people.

The air show's organizing committee released a statement expressing its "deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the family of the pilot" and extended sympathies to the Indian Air Force, reaffirming solidarity with the bereaved family. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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