Pilot lose his life after Indian fighter jet crashed at Dubai Airshow

(MENAFN) An Indian-made combat aircraft went down during a performance at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, resulting in the death of its pilot, according to official military statements.

“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,” said the IAF in a statement.

Expressing sorrow over the tragedy, the force noted that it “Deeply” regretted the loss and affirmed that it “stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.”

The military added that it will “ascertain the cause of the accident.”

Footage circulating online earlier in the day captured the moment the single-seat fighter plummeted toward the ground during its routine, followed by a large plume of smoke rising from the crash site.

According to reports, the jet went down shortly after 2:10 p.m. local time at Al Maktoum International Airport, where thick smoke quickly filled the area.

The model involved is produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and early accounts pointed out that this marks the second incident involving a Tejas aircraft in under two years.

The same reports recalled that a Tejas jet also crashed the previous March in India’s western Rajasthan state — “the first such accident in the aircraft's 23-year history since its maiden test flight in 2001,” during which the pilot successfully ejected.

MENAFN22112025000045017640ID1110381877