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Khaled Saifulla 21 Nov 2025 , 5:47 PM Print Edition
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 21, 2025 – An Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jet crashed today. The crash happened during a flying display at the Dubai Airshow. Hundreds of people witnessed the incident. Tragically, the pilot died.
The Crash Details
The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was the plane involved. This is India’s own developed fighter jet.
When and Where: The crash occurred on the final day of the Dubai Airshow.
What Happened: The Tejas warplane executed an aerobatic move. Suddenly, it plunged to the ground. The jet burst into a fireball. The pilot did not eject.
The Loss: The pilot suffered fatal injuries. Consequently, the IAF quickly expressed deep sorrow over the loss. They confirmed the pilot’s death.
The crash site was about a mile (1.6 km) away from the main spectator area. Immediately, emergency teams arrived to secure the scene. Show organizers temporarily halted the flying display.
Investigation Begins
The Tejas jet was at the Airshow to highlight India’s defense technology.
The Aircraft: The Tejas (“Radiance”) is a single-engine, 4.5-generation fighter. India plans to use upgraded versions to replace its older fighter planes.
The Response: The Indian Air Force immediately ordered a court of inquiry. This investigation will find out the exact cause of the accident.
Condolences: India’s Defence Minister and the Chief of Defence Staff offered deep condolences to the pilot’s family.
This is only the second crash involving a Tejas aircraft since its commission. However, the pilot in the first non-fatal accident managed to eject safely.
