PIB Said “No Leak”—Next Day the Tejas Hit the Ground. What Now?

A day after the Indian government dismissed social-media warnings about a suspected “oil leak” from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas at the Dubai Airshow, the fighter jet crashed on Friday during an aerial display at Al Maktoum International Airport, killing the pilot.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed the crash in a brief initial statement:

“A Tejas aircraft of the Indian Air Force has crashed during Dubai Airshow-25. Further details are being ascertained.”

For several hours, there was uncertainty over the fate of the pilot and the possibility of casualties on the ground. Later, the IAF announced the worst outcome.

In an official update, the force said:

“IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.”

Footage of the jet spiralling downward before crashing has been widely shared by PTI and other media outlets, triggering shock and questions about aircraft safety protocols.

A Crash Following Controversy

The incident comes less than 24 hours after the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit rejected widespread social media posts alleging an oil leak from the Tejas Mk-1 during the airshow.

PIB had insisted that the viral videos showed a routine drainage procedure, not a malfunction.

According to their clarification, the visible discharge was simply condensed water released by the aircraft’s Environmental Control System (ECS) and On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)—a standard occurrence in humid conditions like those in Dubai.

Officials had labelled the online warnings as “misleading” and aimed at undermining public confidence in the fighter jet.

Tejas at the Airshow

The Tejas was part of India’s official lineup at the five-day Dubai Airshow 2025, which also featured the IAF’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team. India currently operates around 40 Tejas jets, with confirmed orders for 180 more, including the upgraded Mk-1A variant.

The Dubai Airshow—one of the world’s largest defence and aerospace showcases—has drawn participation from over 100 air forces and defence manufacturers.

Investigation Underway

The concerned authorities at the airshow have begun probing the cause of the crash. Both Indian and UAE officials are expected to collaborate on a detailed technical investigation.

Netizens Troll PIB After Crash

Meanwhile, the crash incident has ignited a storm online, with thousands of users calling out the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check wing, which had just yesterday rejected claims that the Tejas was leaking fluid during rehearsals.

Social media is now flooded with posts mocking the government’s earlier clarification, with many asking:
“PIB Fact Check, where are you now?”

Users pointed out that the warnings about a potential issue were dismissed as misinformation, only for the aircraft to suffer a catastrophic crash the very next day.

Many described the sequence of events as “deeply concerning,” alleging that “serious faults were brushed aside instead of being examined.”

Also Read: IAF Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes During Dubai Airshow 2025