A catastrophic accident unfolded at the biennial Dubai Air Show today when an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial demonstration. The crash, which occurred around 2:10 pm local time at Al Maktoum International Airport, resulted in the tragic death of the pilot.
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The IAF confirmed the loss of life and immediately expressed its condolences. “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. A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the IAF stated.
General Anil Chauhan, CDS, and all ranks of the Indian Armed Forces extended their deep regret over the incident.
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Details of the Crash
The aircraft involved was a single-seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Eyewitnesses and videos captured the jet performing a maneuver before it lost altitude and descended rapidly, impacting the ground and bursting into flames.
Sources indicate the pilot failed to recover from a Negative G-Force turn. This high-stress maneuver involves experiencing force in a direction opposite to gravity, a capability the Tejas is designed to handle. The visuals suggest a “free fall” without gliding, likely due to the failed recovery attempt during the complex sequence. Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to manage the situation on site.
The Tejas and its Safety Systems
The Tejas is a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft, prized for being one of the lightest and smallest fighters in its class. It is integral to India’s modernization efforts and its goal of reducing reliance on foreign defense suppliers.
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…
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 21, 2025
A key safety feature of the jet is the Martin-Baker zero-zero ejection seat , which is designed to enable pilots to eject safely even at zero altitude and zero speed—critical for low-level maneuvers. The system employs an explosive charge to jettison the canopy and propel the pilot clear of the aircraft. Unfortunately, this system did not prevent the fatality in this incident.
Context of Recent Incidents
This marks the second crash involving a Tejas aircraft in less than two years:
- March 2024: A Tejas fighter crashed in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, which was the first accident in the aircraft’s 23-year history. The pilot in that incident ejected safely.
- Current Program Status: The Tejas program is currently in a major expansion phase, with the Centre signing a new contract with HAL for 97 additional Tejas fighters in September, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.
The incident is particularly sensitive as it occurred during the Dubai Air Show, a high-profile global stage for the aviation industry, which has seen major commercial announcements this week.
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