An Indain Air Force Tejas fighter jet participating in a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show crashed on Friday afternoon, sending panic through the crowd as thick black smoke billowed near the runway.

As per the Indian media, the jet was being flown by Wing Commander Vikram Singh, who died in the accident. The Indian Air Force confirmed that the pilot has suffered fatal injuries.

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

Tejas crashes during aerial display

According to initial reports, the Indian-made HAL Tejas crashed at around 2:10pm local time while performing an aerobatic manoeuvre in front of thousands of spectators.

Videos circulating online show the aircraft descending sharply before impact, followed by a plume of dense black smoke rising from the crash site.

"Oil leakage" was a REAL ISSUE, LCA Tejas has crashed at the Dubai Air Show 2025 🚨 pic.twitter.com/FPkzWM83BX
— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) November 21, 2025

Families, children, and aviation enthusiasts who had gathered to watch the show were seen scrambling for safety as emergency sirens echoed across Al Maktoum International Airport, where the event is being held.

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Authorities have not yet released details on casualties or the pilot’s condition. An official statement from the Indian Air Force is still awaited.

Crowd panic and emergency response

Eyewitnesses described scenes of shock as the crash site quickly filled with smoke.
Security personnel evacuated nearby exhibition areas while emergency response teams rushed to contain the fire and secure the site.

The Dubai Air Show organizers have not issued additional information but confirmed that rescue operations are underway.

HAL LCA Tejas has crashed at the Dubai Air Show 2025 🚨

Developing Story 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Yn1R1c9zGm
— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) November 21, 2025

This incident marks only the second crash involving a Tejas fighter jet. The first occurred in 2024 near Jaisalmer, making Friday’s crash a rare setback for India’s indigenous fighter program.

What is Tejas fighter jet?

The Tejas is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter aircraft developed by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for offensive and defensive air missions.

It is designed to perform offensive air support, close combat, ground attack, maritime operations.

The aircraft is known for its versatility and is used by both the Indian Air Force and Navy in various configurations, including single-seat fighter versions and twin-seat trainer models.

The latest variant, LCA Mk1A, incorporates advanced features such as:

AESA radar
Electronic warfare suite with jamming and radar warning
Digital map generator
Smart multifunction displays
Combined interrogator-transponder
Modern radio altimeter

These upgrades significantly enhance its survivability and operational effectiveness.

Indian defense officials and HAL have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the crash. Further details are expected once the crash site is secured and investigators assess the damage.

Following the accident, the Dubai Air Show has been temporarily suspended, according to the Arab media.