Indian Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes During Dubai Airshow Flight Demo
An Indian HAL Tejas light combat aircraft crashed on Friday during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Airshow, according to reports from the Associated Press and other outlets. The incident occurred around 2:10 p.m. local time near Al Maktoum International Airport, which is hosting the biennial show.
Eyewitnesses described a sudden nosedive mid-maneuver, after which the jet plunged to the ground in a ball of flames. Spectators and emergency services reported thick black smoke rising from the crash site, and sirens were sounded as rescue operations were mobilized.
It remains unclear whether the pilot ejected safely. The Indian Air Force has not yet released a full statement confirming the pilot’s fate. Meanwhile, the airport temporarily paused the show’s performances as investigators and first responders assessed the scene.
Earlier in the event, social media claim-makers circulated footage alleging that a Tejas jet had an oil leak on the ground during the Dubai Airshow. The Indian government rejected those reports, clarifying that the fluid was not oil but condensed water being drained as part of a normal pre-flight procedure in humid conditions.
The crash will likely trigger detailed investigations by both Indian and UAE aviation authorities. It also raises fresh questions about the safety of high-performance jets during aerial displays — especially those from newer or export-oriented platforms like the Tejas.
Indian HAL Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes During Dubai Airshow Demo https://t.co/auSn8nym9b#DubaiAirShow #IAF #Tejas pic.twitter.com/S9LPzhav9Y
— ANN Times (@the_anntimes) November 21, 2025
