The pilot of an Indian combat plane died Friday after the aircraft crashed during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show, the Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed.
The Indian HAL Tejas, a combat aircraft operated by the IAF, went down around 2:10 p.m. local time after the pilot had performed multiple passes over the air show site.
The plane appeared to lose control and dive directly toward the ground before crashing inside the airfield.
The Indian Air Force said, “The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident.” It added, “IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.” A court of inquiry is being set up “to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the statement said.
Black smoke rose over Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central as spectators watched, and sirens sounded following the crash. Friday marked the final day of the weeklong air show, which has attracted major aircraft orders from Emirates and its low-cost sister airline FlyDubai.
“Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site,” the Dubai Media Office said on X, the emirate’s official platform for crisis updates.
Police and emergency personnel were seen at the crash site, with firefighting foam sprayed across nearby roads. An SUV bearing diplomatic plates and the Indian flag was also spotted.
Flight demonstrations resumed about half an hour later, with the Russian Knights performing overhead while emergency crews continued working at the site.
Tejas is India’s indigenous fighter aircraft, built by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The lightweight, single-engine jet is expected to strengthen India’s fighter fleet amid China’s expanding military presence in South Asia and its growing defense ties with India’s rival, Pakistan.
In September, India’s Defense Ministry signed a contract with HAL to procure 97 Tejas jets for the air force, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. A previous deal signed in 2021 for 83 Tejas aircraft has faced delays due to shortages of engines imported from the United States.
On Thursday, India’s Press Information Bureau denied social media claims that a Tejas aircraft had experienced an oil leak during the air show. In a statement on X, it called the posts “false” and said they were attempts to undermine the “fighter’s proven technical reliability with baseless propaganda.” It was unclear whether that aircraft was the one involved in Friday’s crash.
The Indian HAL Tejas, a combat aircraft operated by the IAF, went down around 2:10 p.m. local time after the pilot had performed multiple passes over the air show site.
The plane appeared to lose control and dive directly toward the ground before crashing inside the airfield.
The Indian Air Force said, “The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident.” It added, “IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.” A court of inquiry is being set up “to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the statement said.
Black smoke rose over Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central as spectators watched, and sirens sounded following the crash. Friday marked the final day of the weeklong air show, which has attracted major aircraft orders from Emirates and its low-cost sister airline FlyDubai.
“Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site,” the Dubai Media Office said on X, the emirate’s official platform for crisis updates.
Police and emergency personnel were seen at the crash site, with firefighting foam sprayed across nearby roads. An SUV bearing diplomatic plates and the Indian flag was also spotted.
Flight demonstrations resumed about half an hour later, with the Russian Knights performing overhead while emergency crews continued working at the site.
Tejas is India’s indigenous fighter aircraft, built by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The lightweight, single-engine jet is expected to strengthen India’s fighter fleet amid China’s expanding military presence in South Asia and its growing defense ties with India’s rival, Pakistan.
In September, India’s Defense Ministry signed a contract with HAL to procure 97 Tejas jets for the air force, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. A previous deal signed in 2021 for 83 Tejas aircraft has faced delays due to shortages of engines imported from the United States.
On Thursday, India’s Press Information Bureau denied social media claims that a Tejas aircraft had experienced an oil leak during the air show. In a statement on X, it called the posts “false” and said they were attempts to undermine the “fighter’s proven technical reliability with baseless propaganda.” It was unclear whether that aircraft was the one involved in Friday’s crash.