IAF Tejas Fighter Aircraft Crashes During Dubai Air Show; Pilot killed

November 21, 2025

An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet has crashed at the Dubai Air Show. The accident occurred during a demo flight at the ongoing air show at Al Maktoum Airport. The news agency AP reported that the accident occurred at 2:10 pm Dubai time and 3:40 pm Indian time on Friday.

It is not clear whether the Tejas pilot was able to eject during the accident. The plane caught fire as it crashed, and a plume of black smoke was seen over the airport.

After the accident, the Indian Air Force has set up a Court of Inquiry to investigate the reasons behind the crash of the fighter plane.

This is the second incident of an Air Force Tejas jet crash. The previous one occurred in 2024 during a maneuvers in Pokhran, Rajasthan, due to engine failure.

The pilot has died, the Air Force confirmed.

The pilot died in the accident. The Indian Air Force expressed its deepest condolences over this tragic incident and stated that it stands firmly with the family of the deceased pilot during this difficult time. A Court of Inquiry is being formed to determine the cause of the accident.

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

Notably, this is the second crash involving a Tejas aircraft, the first one being in 2024 near Jaisalmer.

In March 2024, a Tejas fighter went down in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, the first such accident in the aircraft’s 23-year history since its maiden test flight in 2001. The pilot ejected safely in that case.

LCA Tejas is a 4.5-generation, all-weather and multi-role fighter aircraft. The aircraft is designed to be a multi-role aircraft capable of taking up offensive air support, close combat and ground attack roles at ease.

It is also designed to undertake ground maritime operations.

At the Dubai Air Show, India and Germany, on November 19, revived high-technology defence collaboration after nearly three decades, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signing a landmark contract with German state-backed sensor major HENSOLDT.

The pact, finalised on Day 3 of the event, focuses on the joint development of a cutting-edge LiDAR-based Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS) for Indian military helicopters. This breakthrough has already generated significant buzz across global aerospace circles.

The deal for this LiDAR-based Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS), signed by Indian DPSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and German government-backed HENSOLDT, marks a significant return to high-technology cooperation after earlier partnerships in aerospace and maritime programmes.