Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
An Indian Air Force pilot was killed on Friday when his Tejas multi-role fighter jet crashed during an aerial performance at the Dubai Airshow, according to a statement from the Dubai Government Media Office.
Video footage circulating online showed the aircraft executing a low-altitude maneuver before abruptly plummeting toward the ground. The jet crashed at high speed, triggering a large explosion and sending flames and smoke billowing into the air.
“In a tragic incident that occurred moments ago, an Indian Air Force pilot lost his life today when his Tejas fighter aircraft crashed while participating in the aerial display at the Dubai Airshow,” the Dubai Government Media Office said on the social platform X. “Emergency teams responded immediately to the scene.”
The crash took place on the final day of the Dubai Airshow, which features daily aerial demonstrations by military and civilian aircraft from around the world. Authorities have not yet announced the cause of the accident, and an investigation is expected to follow.
The Indian-made Tejas fighter, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is a key component of India’s push to modernize its air force and promote indigenous defense production. The incident is likely to draw heightened scrutiny as the aircraft has been showcased internationally as part of India’s expanding defense diplomacy.
This marks one of the most serious accidents to occur during the Dubai Airshow in recent years, an event known for drawing tens of thousands of aviation professionals, defense officials and visitors from across the globe.
