An Indian Air Force Tejas aircraft crashed on Friday afternoon while performing a demonstration at the Dubai Airshow 2025, held at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai World Central. The crash occurred at approximately 2:10–2:15 pm local time, and the condition of the pilot is yet to be confirmed.
Eyewitness Accounts
Spectators at the airshow captured the final moments on video, showing the fighter jet executing a loop maneuver before it struck the ground and erupted in flames. Black smoke rose over the venue as emergency teams rushed to the scene. Attendees, including families, witnessed the accident unfold, with many expressing shock at the sudden incident. It is not clear from the footage whether the pilot ejected.
An Indian Air Force spokesperson said, “A Tejas of IAF has crashed in Dubai Air Show-25. Further details are being ascertained at the moment. Will give further details in some time.”
About the Tejas Jet
The Tejas is India’s first indigenous fighter jet, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Conceptualised in 1984, the aircraft took its maiden flight in 2001 and was officially named ‘Tejas’ by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003. The jet is a single-engine, 4.5-generation multi-role Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), designed to be lightweight through the use of composite materials.
Currently, the IAF operates the Mk1 variant of the Tejas and is awaiting the upgraded Mk1A version. The aircraft has been inducted into the No. 45 Squadron, nicknamed the ‘Flying Daggers,’ which became the first IAF squadron to operate it in 2016. The Tejas is intended to replace aging aircraft like the MiG-21 and bolster the IAF’s combat capabilities.
Previous Crash
This marks the second incident involving a Tejas jet. The first crash occurred in March 2024 near Jaisalmer, during a training sortie, where the pilot successfully ejected.
Dubai Airshow Context
The Dubai Airshow is a biennial international aviation exhibition and has become a platform for showcasing cutting-edge aircraft and signing major deals. This year’s event, which opened on 17 November 2025, witnessed significant aircraft orders by Emirates and FlyDubai, coinciding with Emirates’ 40th anniversary.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash and the status of the pilot. Further details are awaited from both the IAF and the event organisers.
