In a tragic incident that stunned hundreds of spectators, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, November 21. The aircraft went down at around 2:10 PM local time while performing a high-speed manoeuvre, leading to the death of the pilot. Thick smoke and a bright fireball were visible from a distance, causing panic among visitors at the venue.

The IAF later confirmed the crash in a brief statement on X (formerly Twitter), noting that a court of inquiry has been ordered to determine what went wrong during the demonstration.

A Sudden Crash During a Demonstration

The Tejas was participating in a showcase featuring several international aircraft. According to eyewitnesses, the fighter jet began a routine manoeuvre but appeared to lose control moments before hitting the ground.

People present at the spot described the crash as both “shocking” and “confusing” because the aircraft was flying smoothly minutes earlier.

One visitor at the show, who had gone with his family, said he saw “a loud burst, followed by flames” near the airport zone. The crash caused a brief halt in the ongoing display, and emergency alarms could be heard across the venue.

Within minutes, rescue teams, fire units and airport security officials reached the area and cordoned it off. Videos that surfaced online—though some blurry—showed a plume of dark smoke rising behind exhibition halls.

Official Statement From the Indian Air Force

In its post, the IAF said:

“An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. AF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.”

The message was brief yet emotionally heavy. Air Force officials added that a detailed investigation will begin soon to identify the cause of the accident.

A court of inquiry is the standard procedure in such incidents. It will examine flight data, maintenance records, recent checks, communication logs and eyewitness accounts. Usually, such inquiries take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the case.

Eyewitness Accounts: Panic and Confusion at the Venue

Many spectators, including tourists, aviation enthusiasts and families with children, had come to watch the high-profile aerial show. The moment the jet went down, a wave of panic spread among the crowd.

Some people ran for cover, unsure if there would be another explosion. Others simply stood frozen, trying to understand what had happened. A few individuals captured photographs and short videos, although most appeared shaken by the scene.

A Dubai resident who witnessed the crash said he saw “the jet tilt at an unusual angle before it disappeared into a dust cloud.”

Another attendee recalled hearing a “thunder-like sound” moments before the impact.

Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or damage to spectators or nearby structures.

Emergency Response and Ground Actions

Dubai’s emergency response teams acted quickly. Fire tenders surrounded the crash area as soon as the smoke appeared. Ground crews made sure the small fires caused by the crash were controlled immediately.

Officials at the Dubai Air Show made an announcement informing visitors that the situation was under control and further updates would be provided through official channels. All other flying activities were temporarily suspended.

Security teams were seen guiding people away from the restricted zone to avoid congestion around the site.

Although the Dubai authorities are known for their advanced safety measures during such international events, Friday’s crash created a rare moment of disruption and concern.

About the Tejas Fighter Jet

The Tejas, India’s homegrown 4.5-generation fighter aircraft, has been a significant achievement for the country’s defence sector. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the jet has been designed for multiple roles, including:

• offensive air missions
• close-combat engagements
• ground attack operations
• maritime strike tasks

The aircraft is lightweight, has a high thrust-to-weight ratio and can perform aggressive manoeuvres, making it suitable for challenging aerial environments.

Different Versions of Tejas

The Tejas program includes:

• Single-seat fighter variant (IAF)
• Single-seat naval variant
• Twin-seat trainer aircraft

The trainer version is often used for pilot training and advanced flight preparation.

The Advanced LCA Mk1A

The aircraft showcased at many international events in recent years has been the upgraded LCA Mk1A, which includes:

• AESA radar
• enhanced electronic warfare suite
• smart multifunction displays
• radar warning systems
• jamming capabilities
• digital map generator
• modern radio altimeter
• improved survivability systems

These features allow the jet to operate in complex battlefield environments and respond quickly to threats.

Although the exact version involved in Friday’s crash was not officially confirmed by either IAF or HAL, many aviation observers believe it was likely a demonstration variant equipped with standard air-show configurations.

Experts React to the Incident

Aviation experts said that air-show flying is one of the most challenging conditions for pilots. Unlike regular missions, air-show manoeuvres are performed at lower altitudes and in front of large crowds, leaving very little room for error.

Former Air Marshal R. Nambiar has previously stated in interviews that “aerobatic flying requires extreme precision, and even a small technical fault can have serious outcomes.”

Another defence analyst explained that even highly trained pilots face risks during exhibitions because they push the aircraft to its structural and aerodynamic limits. While this is meant to demonstrate capability, it also increases stress on the systems.

Experts stressed that only a thorough technical inquiry can confirm whether Friday’s crash was caused by a mechanical malfunction, pilot-related factor, or a rare combination of both.

A Moment of Grief for the Indian Air Force

The loss of the pilot has deeply affected members of the Indian Air Force. Although the name has not been released officially, officers said the pilot was experienced and trained for advanced manoeuvres.

The IAF expressed condolences to the family and said the force stands with them during this difficult time.

For the Indian aviation community, the crash is a painful reminder of the risks that come with high-performance flying. Test pilots and display pilots take on some of the most dangerous tasks in aviation.

Impact on the Tejas Program

While incidents like this raise concerns, military experts argue that one crash does not reflect the overall reliability of the Tejas platform. The aircraft has undergone years of trials and has been inducted into multiple IAF squadrons.

HAL and the IAF have consistently worked to improve its airframe, systems and avionics. The Mk1A variant, for instance, has been developed specifically to address earlier shortcomings and enhance combat readiness.

However, an inquiry finding will be important for future safety improvements and operational decisions.

What Happens Next?

Once the wreckage is examined and initial data is collected, the court of inquiry will release its preliminary findings. This may take weeks, depending on access to components, data recorders and other evidence.

In the meantime, the Dubai Air Show is expected to continue its scheduled events with revised safety protocols. Both Indian and UAE authorities will coordinate on sharing information related to the incident.

FAQs

1. What caused the Tejas crash?

The exact cause is not known yet. A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the reason.

2. Was anyone else injured?

No. Only the pilot was fatally injured. Spectators and ground crew were safe.

3. What is the Tejas aircraft used for?

Tejas is a multi-role fighter used for offensive operations, air combat, ground attack and maritime missions.

4. Is the Dubai Air Show still continuing?

Yes, but with temporary disruptions and increased safety checks.

5. Does this incident affect the Tejas program’s future?

Experts say one incident typically does not affect a larger defence program, but investigation results may lead to safety recommendations.