An Indian fighter jet crashed at the Dubai Air Show in the United Arab Emirates on Friday, killing the pilot on board, officials said.
Videos circulating on social media showed the IAF Tejas aircraft bursting into flames as it hit the ground, drawing gasps from the crowd gathered at the event.
“The pilot suffered fatal injuries in the accident,” the Indian Air Force wrote on X, noting that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash. “IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and strongly supports the bereaved families in this time of grief.”
“A Tejas fighter jet from India participating in today’s Dubai Airshow crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot,” the Dubai Media Office said. “Firefighting and emergency teams responded quickly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on site.”
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Emergency services respond to the scene after an Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Friday, November 21, 2025. (Dubai Media Office via AP)
An SUV with diplomatic plates and the Indian flag was seen at the crash site, along with police and emergency workers.
The air show later resumed flight demonstrations, with the Russian Knights aerobatic team flying overhead while emergency services still worked at the crash site, the Associated Press reported.
Tejas is India’s indigenous fighter aircraft, built by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
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Smoke rises after the crash of an Indian Tejas fighter jet after it lost altitude and crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show in this screenshot obtained from an eyewitness video. (Jignesh Variya/Reuters)
The lightweight single-engine jet is expected to bolster India’s depleted combat fleet as China expands its military presence in South Asia, including by strengthening defense ties with India’s rival Pakistan, the AP said.
In September, India’s Defense Ministry signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, or HAL, to purchase 97 Tejas jets for the air force. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.
The Indian fighter jet is seen during a demonstration just before it crashes at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, November 21, 2025. (Jon Gambrell/AP)
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Last year, a Tejas fighter jet crashed in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, but the pilot ejected safely in that incident.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
