IAF Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes During Dubai Airshow 2025

Dubai: An Indian Air Force (IAF) Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas crashed on Friday while performing at the ongoing Dubai Airshow 2025 held at Al Maktoum International Airport.

The IAF confirmed the incident in a brief statement: “A Tejas aircraft of the Indian Air Force has crashed during Dubai Airshow-25. Further details are being ascertained.”

Initially, it was unclear whether the pilot managed to eject safely or if there were any injuries on the ground. Officials on the ground are investigating the cause of the crash.

But, later the IAF in a tweet clarified that the pilot did not survive the crash.

The IAF stated, "IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief."

IAF LCA Tejas jet crashes & bursts into flames. The pilot was killed instantly, visuals from Dubai Air Show 25!

A clear video of the crash while performing the maneuver! pic.twitter.com/vfoJTSbGbH

— Chauhan (@Platypuss_10) November 21, 2025

A video of the aircraft plummeting and impacting the ground has been widely circulated by news agency PTI and other media outlets.

An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident.

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…

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 21, 2025

The Tejas was part of India’s official contingent at the five-day airshow, which also features the IAF’s renowned Suryakiran Aerobatic Team.

India currently operates around 40 Tejas jets, with firm orders placed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for an additional 180 aircraft, including the advanced Tejas Mk-1A variant.

The Dubai Airshow 2025, one of the world’s largest aerospace exhibitions, has drawn participation from over 100 air forces and defence industries to promote interoperability, operational capability, and defence cooperation.

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