A pilot from the Indian Air Force has tragically died after a Tejas fighter jet crashed and burst into flames during a display at the Dubai Airshow.
Tragedy in the Skies: The Crash Sequence
The incident occurred on the final day of the prestigious airshow, shocking a large crowd of spectators. The single-seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) went down during an aerial demonstration over Al Maktoum International Airport.
The crash happened at approximately 2:10pm local time (10:10am UK time). Eyewitnesses described seeing the aircraft erupt into a fireball upon impact. Shahad Alnaqbi, an attendee, recounted the terrifying moment: "We were watching the display when suddenly we saw smoke and an explosion. People started running and screaming."
Immediate Aftermath and Official Response
Emergency services, including firefighting teams, responded rapidly to the scene. The airshow was immediately halted following the catastrophic event.
The Indian Air Force officially confirmed the pilot sustained fatal injuries. In a solemn statement, an IAF spokesperson said, "IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief." The force has announced that a court of inquiry is being constituted to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The Ministry of Defence in the United Arab Emirates also issued a statement confirming the pilot's death and identifying the aircraft as an Indian Tejas. The airshow operations resumed approximately one and a half hours after the crash.
Investigations and Aircraft History
At this stage, the precise cause of the crash remains unclear. The Indian Air Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into all factors that may have led to the tragedy.
This marks only the second recorded crash involving a Tejas aircraft since its maiden test flight in 2001. The previous incident occurred in March 2024, where the pilot involved managed to eject safely. The Tejas is a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft, renowned for being one of the lightest and smallest fighters in its class.
