A Tejas fighter jet taking part in an aerial demonstration at the Dubai Air Show crashed on Friday afternoon, according to the Associated Press.
The aircraft, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), went down around 2:10 pm local time while performing a display before a large audience.
BREAKING: An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. pic.twitter.com/TvwUoe3juh
— Clash Report (@clashreport) November 21, 2025
Thick black smoke rose from the crash site near Dubai International Airport, causing panic among spectators, including families with children who had gathered to watch the event. In an official statement, the Indian Air Force said the pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident.
HAL LCA Tejas has crashed at the Dubai Air Show 2025 🚨
Developing Story 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Yn1R1c9zGm
— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) November 21, 2025
The IAF said it “deeply regrets the loss of life” and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family during what it described as a time of profound grief. The IAF also announced that it has ordered a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the crash.
No additional details have been released so far, and the incident remains under investigation.
