A military aircraft has crashed during a high-profile demonstration at one of the world's most prestigious aviation events, sending shockwaves through the international aerospace community.
The Incident Unfolds
An Indian HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed at approximately 2:10 p.m. local time on Friday, 21 November 2025, while performing a demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show. The dramatic incident occurred before a crowd of spectators at Dubai International Airport during what is considered a peak period for the biennial event.
Social media footage rapidly circulated showing thick, dark smoke rising over the airport perimeter as onlookers, including women and children, witnessed the alarming scene. The exact circumstances leading to the crash remain unclear, and authorities have not yet confirmed whether the pilot successfully ejected from the single-engine aircraft.
Event Context and Immediate Aftermath
The crash occurred during the fifth day of the week-long Dubai Air Show, a major international aerospace exhibition that attracts military and civilian delegations from across the globe. Just days earlier, on Tuesday 18 November, the event had featured displays by the Fursan Al Emarat, the United Arab Emirates Air Force's aerobatics demonstration team, with AP photographs capturing Emirati men photographing the aircraft.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the crash site, though the full extent of the damage and any potential casualties on the ground remains unconfirmed. The HAL Tejas, India's indigenous light combat aircraft, was participating in the show as part of ongoing international marketing efforts by the Indian aerospace sector.
Ongoing Investigation and Industry Impact
Aviation authorities have launched a full investigation into the causes of the crash, which represents a significant setback for the HAL Tejas programme's export ambitions. The incident occurred during what should have been a showcase of the aircraft's capabilities to potential international buyers.
The crash at the Dubai Air Show marks one of the most serious incidents in the event's recent history, raising questions about safety protocols for flight demonstrations at major international air shows. The global aviation community awaits further details as investigators work to determine what caused the Indian fighter jet to go down during its scheduled performance.
