Indian Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes During Dubai Airshow

An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, killing the pilot, officials said.

The single‑seat HAL Tejas went down at around 2:10 p.m. local time while performing a manoeuvre at Al Maktoum International Airport, with bystander video showing the aircraft wobble, flip and then lose control before striking the ground and bursting into flames.

The Indian Air Force issued a brief statement confirming the accident and the pilot’s death, saying it deeply regretted the loss and that a court of inquiry will be constituted to determine the cause of the crash.

UAE authorities and show organisers reported heavy smoke at the scene and emergency services were seen responding quickly; the Dubai defence ministry said an inquiry has been set up to investigate the incident.

The Tejas is an indigenous light combat aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL); this crash comes amid intense international attention on the Dubai Airshow, which was hosting large public displays and major industry delegations at the time