An indigenous Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flight display at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, resulting in the death of its pilot. The Indian Air Force confirmed the fatal accident in an official statement.
The IAF reported that the Tejas aircraft “met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.” The statement expressed deep regret for the loss of life and confirmed that the air force “stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.” An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident.
MORE: The Indian Air Force has confirmed the death of the pilot in the crash of the LCA Tejas aircraft at the Dubai Air Show. pic.twitter.com/TKYUuYhMV1
— John Basham (@JohnBasham) November 21, 2025Videos circulating on social media captured the single-seater jet crashing at the airshow, with large plumes of smoke billowing from the impact site. According to reports from Indian broadcaster NDTV, the crash occurred at approximately 2:10 PM local time at Al Maktoum International Airport.
BREAKING: India's Tejas Fighter Jet Has Just Crashed At The Dubai Airshow During A Flight Demonstration. pic.twitter.com/k5gX4epuJx
— John Basham (@JohnBasham) November 21, 2025The Tejas aircraft is developed by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. This incident marks the second crash involving a Tejas fighter in less than two years. In March of last year, a Tejas crashed in India’s western state of Rajasthan, though the pilot successfully ejected. It was the first such accident in the aircraft’s 23-year history since its maiden test flight in 200.
Read: French Commander Reveals Pakistan’s Air Combat Secret Over India
