DUBAI: An Indian fighter jet, the indigenously developed Tejas, crashed during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, killing the pilot and sending shockwaves through spectators and aviation officials, witnesses and authorities told AFP.
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)–built Tejas went down at approximately 2:10pm local time during an aerobatic routine. Videos widely shared on social media captured the jet descending at high speed before erupting into a fireball upon impact. Thick black smoke rose from the crash site as emergency vehicles rushed in, prompting gasps and cries from onlookers.
The crash occurred on the closing day of the Middle East’s largest airshow, which features a major flying display each afternoon. Hundreds of visitors seated in the grandstand witnessed the accident firsthand, while the tarmac area—crowded with aircraft, helicopters and defence equipment—fell silent as news of the crash spread.
In a post on X, the Indian Air Force confirmed the pilot’s death, expressing deep sorrow.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
Footage circulating online showed the Tejas performing a low roll manoeuvre before losing altitude and crashing roughly 1.6 kilometres from the main show area. The sequence raised immediate questions about whether the pilot experienced a technical malfunction or loss of control.
‘Oil Leak’ Controversy Earlier in Week
The crash followed an unrelated social-media storm earlier in the week, when photos emerged claiming that the Tejas had been “leaking oil” while on static display. The images showed shopping bags placed beneath the jet to catch dripping fluid, leading to online speculation about potential mechanical issues.
Some commentators alleged the leak persisted into the second day of the show. However, neither the Indian government nor military officials issued statements addressing the posts at the time.
The Press Information Bureau later clarified on X that the images depicted a “routine draining process, not a technical malfunction”, dismissing claims of a fault with the aircraft.
