The Dubai Airshow 2025 saw a tragic incident on Friday afternoon after an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during a high-speed aerial demonstration. However, the Dubai Airshow Crash occurred around 2:10 pm local time, which resulted in the death of the pilot. The IAF has confirmed the news.
Thick plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the crash site near Al Maktoum International Airport. Hence, the scene has sent a shockwave among spectators and aviation lovers who were present at one of the biggest aerospace events in the world.
IAF Confirms Fatality, Announces Court of Inquiry
The Indian Air Force expressed deep grief over the loss of life in an official statement. The statement says, “An IAF Tejas Aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Airshow today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.”
According to the source, the Dubai Airshow crash happened as the aircraft was executing a maneuver that involved a negative G-force turn. Preliminary inputs suggest the pilot was unable to recover from the complex maneuver. Hence, it leads to the sudden descent and impact.
Emergency response teams rushed to the site within minutes as videos of a fireball and thick smoke started circulating online. However, it has become a trending incident within a few minutes.
Eyewitnesses Describe Moments of Panic for Dubai Airshow Crash
Hundreds of families and aviation lovers watching from the viewing enclosures saw the Tejas fighter jet drop altitude unexpectedly. Moreover, videos show the aircraft performing its routine before rapidly losing control. However, the jet struck the ground and burst into flames within seconds, which triggered panic and distress among viewers at the Airshow Dubai 2025 event.
This tragic airshow crash is one of the most serious incidents in the history of the Dubai Airshow. However, the event is popular for a high-precision flying showcase featuring the top global aircraft.
About the Tejas Fighter Jet
The HAL Tejas is India’s indigenously created 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft. However, it has been central to push for self-reliance in defence aviation. However, it is designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Plus, the Tejas is capable of the following things:
- Air-defence missions
- Offensive air support
- Close-combat operations
- Ground and maritime missions
The aircraft that crashed was a single-seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) variant. According to the HAL, the advanced LCA Mk1A includes cutting-edge features. Below is the list of those features:
- AESA radar
- Electronic warfare suite with radar-warning and jamming
- Smart multifunction displays
- Digital map generator
- Combined interrogator-transponder system
- Modern radio altimeter
Despite its strong safety record, this incident is the second Tejas crash in less than 2 years. However, the previous accident happened in March 2024 in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, where the pilot ejected safely. Before that, it had maintained an accident-free record since its first test flight in 2001.
Significance of the Crash for India and the Region
The Tejas programme is an important component of India’s future air-power strategy. Moreover, the Indian government has signed a deal with HAL for 97 new Tejas Mk1A fighters. However, the delivery is expected for 2027.
The tragic Dubai Airshow crash comes at a sensitive time, as India continues positioning the Tejas for international exports and showcasing it at global events like the Dubai Airshow. Moreover, the UAE audience, aviation officials, and international delegations expressed condolences following the tragic Dubai airshow accident. However, it is a moment that has overshadowed the otherwise historic week of aerospace announcements, including multi-billion-dollar deals by Emirates and FlyDubai.
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