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BREAKING: Tragic Crash at Dubai Airshow: Indian Tejas Fighter Jet Plunges to Ground, Pilot Killed
Horror at Dubai Airshow: Indian Tejas fighter jet explodes in fireball during aerobatics – pilot killed instantly in front of thousands.
An Indian Air Force HAL Tejas light combat aircraft crashed in a fireball during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Airshow on Friday afternoon, killing the pilot in front of shocked spectators.The single-seat fighter jet went down around 2:10 p.m. local time at Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central), the venue for the biennial airshow.
Eyewitness videos show the Tejas performing aerobatics before suddenly losing control, diving steeply, and exploding on impact in a massive plume of black smoke. No ejection was visible.The Indian Air Force confirmed the tragedy in a statement:
"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. 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 constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident."UAE Ministry of Defence and Dubai Media Office also confirmed: "A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today’s flying display has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot. Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly."The crash occurred on the final day of the high-profile event, which drew massive crowds and featured major deals (Emirates/FlyDubai orders, etc.).
The flying display was immediately halted, and visitors were evacuated from the area.This marks only the second known Tejas crash since the indigenous fighter entered service in 2016 (the first was a training accident in Rajasthan in March 2024).
The Tejas was a star attraction at the show, showcasing India's self-reliant defense tech alongside the IAF's Suryakiran aerobatic team.No ground injuries were reported. Investigations by Indian and UAE authorities are underway. The pilot's identity has not been released pending family notification.
A somber end to what was meant to be a triumphant international debut for the Tejas program.