Indian Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes in Fiery Explosion at Dubai Air Show, Pilot Dead

A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon when an Indian Air Force (IAF) HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display, resulting in the death of the pilot, according to Indian media reports.

The aircraft went down at approximately 2:10 PM local time, during a high-speed manoeuvre at Al Maktoum International Airport, the venue for the biennial aviation showcase. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the jet spiral down before hitting the ground and erupting into flames, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

Shocked spectators — including families, children, and aviation enthusiasts — witnessed the horrific crash, with several capturing the incident on their mobile phones. Videos of the fiery accident quickly went viral across social media platforms.

Authorities have yet to confirm whether the pilot attempted to eject before the crash. So far, there are no official reports of civilian injuries or property damage beyond the crash site.

Background and Recent Controversy

The crash comes just days after a video from the same air show sparked a minor controversy online. In the clip, fluid was seen dripping from a Tejas aircraft during a ground inspection. This led to speculation about a possible oil or fuel leak.

Indian defence officials swiftly clarified that the dripping fluid was condensed water, discharged from onboard systems like the Environmental Control System (ECS) and Onboard Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) — a routine occurrence in humid conditions, and not an indication of any technical fault.

Tejas: India’s Indigenous Fighter

The HAL Tejas is a single-engine, multirole light combat aircraft designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as part of India’s long-term push toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

A 4.5-generation fighter, the Tejas is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, a digital fly-by-wire system, and a powerful General Electric F404 engine. The aircraft is capable of speeds up to Mach 1.8 and has a combat range exceeding 3,000 kilometres.

The Tejas has multiple variants — including the Mk1, Mk1A, and upcoming Mk2 — with the Mk1A variant boasting enhanced features like AESA radar, an electronic warfare suite, and upgraded cockpit systems.

India has been actively promoting the Tejas for export, and its presence at international air shows like Dubai was meant to showcase its capabilities to potential buyers and strategic partners.

Investigation Underway

The Indian Air Force and Dubai authorities have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Indian defence analysts suggest that technical malfunction or human error cannot be ruled out at this early stage.

Officials emphasised that flight safety protocols were strictly followed, and further details will be released following the inquiry.

This tragic event marks a sombre moment in India’s defence aviation history and casts a temporary shadow over its efforts to project Tejas as a reliable, export-ready platform in the global arms market.