Dubai, UAE – The final day of the Dubai Airshow 2025 was marred by tragedy as an Indian Air Force HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display, resulting in the death of the pilot. The incident occurred near Al Maktoum International Airport.
According to a statement released by the Indian Air Force, the aircraft was participating in the airshow when it reportedly lost control at approximately 4:00 PM local time. The jet plummeted to the ground in an area adjacent to the runway.
Eyewitness footage showed plumes of black smoke rising from the crash site. Emergency services, including fire and rescue teams, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Tragically, the pilot could not be saved.
The Indian Air Force has announced that it will establish a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the crash. The Air Force expressed its solidarity with the pilot’s family during this difficult time, stating that it “stands firmly with the bereaved family.”
The HAL Tejas is an indigenously built fighter jet intended to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force as part of its modernization program. This incident raises questions about the aircraft’s performance and the safety protocols surrounding aerial display operations. The investigation is expected to provide further insights into the circumstances leading to the crash.
The Dubai Airshow, a major event in the aerospace industry, attracts participants and visitors from around the globe. The accident cast a pall over the event’s closing day.
