A Tejas lightweight fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed during a live aerial demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon, sending shock waves across the aviation and defence communities. The incident occurred at approximately 2:10 pm local time, when the aircraft was performing a high-speed manoeuvre before a large audience.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft lose control moments before it plunged toward the ground, followed by a massive plume of thick black smoke rising near the airport. The crash caused panic among spectators, many of whom included families and children attending the international aviation exhibition.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident shortly after the crash, stating:
“A Tejas of IAF has crashed in Dubai Air Show-25. Further details are being ascertained at the moment. Will give further details in some time.”
As of the latest updates, authorities have not confirmed whether the pilot was able to eject safely before the aircraft went down.
What is Tejas?
The HAL Tejas is a 4.5-generation indigenous fighter aircraft designed for multi-role combat capability, including offensive air support, close-range engagement, reconnaissance, and ground strike missions. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency, Tejas represents one of India’s most advanced defence aviation achievements.
The aircraft is engineered for:
- Air-to-air combat
- Air-to-surface attack
- Maritime operations
- Precision-guided weapon deployment
The Tejas family includes:
- Single-seat fighter variants for both the Air Force and Navy
- Twin-seat trainer variants for advanced pilot training and mission preparation
Lightweight structure, composite materials, advanced avionics, and agility make Tejas a competitive platform among global light-fighter aircraft.
Tejas at International Air Shows
India’s participation in the Dubai Air Show has been viewed as a strategic move to showcase indigenous aerospace capabilities to global defence partners. Tejas has previously performed at multiple international platforms, including:
- Singapore Airshow
- Bahrain International Airshow
- Aero India exhibitions
The aircraft has also drawn interest from potential export buyers, highlighting its role in India’s growing defence manufacturing footprint.
Spectator Panic and Emergency Response
Following the crash, emergency teams immediately reached the site to secure the area and begin investigation. Videos recorded by spectators show smoke spreading quickly, with aviation authorities halting flying operations temporarily.
Crowds were evacuated from nearby zones and event organizers advised attendees to remain calm and follow safety instructions.
Airport authorities are conducting structural and fire safety assessments, with flight operations monitored under precaution.
Global Spotlight on Indigenous Defence
The crash comes at a time when India is increasingly pushing defence exports and advancing its aerospace engineering portfolio. Tejas has been intended as a symbolic demonstration of India’s Make in India military technology.
While the crash is a setback for public perception, defence analysts stress that airshow accidents are not uncommon internationally and do not represent overall fleet reliability.
