India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show, leading to the death of the Indian Air Force pilot on board. According to officials, the aircraft was performing a low-altitude manoeuvre at around 2:15 pm local time when it suddenly lost control and went down in a ball of fire. Eyewitness videos circulating online show the jet descending rapidly before exploding on impact, with thick black smoke rising from the crash site as emergency teams rushed toward the area.
This marks the second recorded crash of the Tejas fighter jet, which is powered by General Electric engines. The first accident occurred during a military exercise in India in 2024. The Indian Air Force confirmed the latest incident, stating that the pilot sustained fatal injuries and that a court of inquiry will investigate the cause of the crash. Dubai authorities also verified the tragedy, expressing condolences over the loss of life.
The accident took place on the final day of the Middle East’s largest aviation exhibition, held at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport from November 17 to 21. The airshow features a daily flying display and attracts global defence experts, aviation manufacturers, and military delegations.
While the Tejas crash overshadowed the day’s events, Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter aircraft drew considerable attention at the airshow. A friendly country signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire the JF-17, developed jointly by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation. The JF-17 Block-III variant was highlighted as a major attraction, with defence analysts and aviation specialists praising its multi-role capabilities, modern avionics, and competitive cost, making it a strong contender in the global lightweight fighter aircraft market.
