UPDATE: A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Airshow today as an Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display, resulting in the death of the pilot. Witnesses reported the aircraft going into a nose-dive before it crashed in a fireball at approximately 2:15 PM, sending shockwaves through the crowd of horrified spectators.
Footage from the scene shows black smoke rising from the wreckage, prompting swift action from emergency teams who were on-site to extinguish the flames. Attendee Jignesh Variya, 46, described the chaotic moment, stating, “I could see three different fireballs when it collided with the ground. Everybody in the crowd stood up there on their feet, and then maybe in around 30 seconds, the emergency vehicles rushed over to the location at the crash site.”
This incident marks the second known crash of the Tejas jet, which is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and powered by engines from General Electric. The first crash occurred during an exercise in India in 2024. The Indian Air Force has announced that a court of inquiry will be established to investigate the cause of this devastating accident.
The Tejas, a light combat jet designed to replace India’s aging fleet of Russian MiG-21s, has been a key component in India’s push to modernize its air force. With plans to operate almost 220 Tejas fighters and advanced Mk-1A variants over the next decade, the crash adds significant concern to the program, which has already faced delays due to supply chain issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authorities confirmed that flying resumed later in the day, with jets back in the air despite the earlier tragedy. In a statement, General Electric expressed deep sadness over the loss, offering condolences to the pilot’s family. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of the Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Airshow,” a GE spokesperson stated.
The Dubai Airshow, the largest aviation event in the Middle East, had been showcasing a wide array of aircraft and military hardware since it began on November 13. Today’s crash was the first incident of its kind during the show, which attracts global interest from arms and aviation markets.
As investigations unfold, industry experts are closely watching how this incident may impact future operations and export interests for the Tejas fighter. Defence analyst Francis Tusa noted that while the Tejas is India’s first fully domestic fighter not based on foreign designs, interest from foreign buyers remains limited.
As the situation develops, stay tuned for updates regarding the investigation and the future of the Tejas program. The human impact of this tragedy resonates deeply, reminding all of the risks involved in aviation displays and the dedication of those who serve.
