A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Air Show on Friday evening when an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flight demonstration, killing the pilot.

The aircraft exploded into flames moments after impact, sending thick black smoke over Al Maktoum International Airport as emergency crews rushed to the site.

Tejas crashes midair during aerobatic display

According to eyewitness videos, the HAL-manufactured Tejas was performing an aerial manoeuvre around 2:10 pm local time when it suddenly lost control, crashed, and erupted into a fireball.

Spectators, including families with children, watched in shock as sirens blared across the venue.

Dense smoke was seen rising above the airport, prompting immediate evacuation of nearby areas by air show authorities.

IAF confirms pilot’s death; inquiry ordered

In an official statement, the Indian Air Force said: “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 constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.”

Also Read: India's Tejas fighter jet crashes at Dubai Air Show

This marks the second-ever crash involving a Tejas aircraft.

The first occurred in March 2024 near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, during a training sortie -- though at that time, the pilot ejected safely.

What is Tejas fighter jet?

The Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role light combat aircraft jointly developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the Indian Air Force.

The aircraft’s name, meaning “Radiance” in Sanskrit, was adopted in 2003.

Key features of Tejas:

Indigenous design and lightweight build

One of India’s first home-grown fighter jets, though powered by a foreign engine.
Built with aluminium-lithium alloys, titanium alloys, and advanced carbon-fibre composites.
Approximately 45% composite material by weight and nearly 90% composite exterior — making it one of the smallest and lightest supersonic fighters in its class.

Advanced avionics in the Mk1A variant

The latest Mk1A model includes:

AESA radar
Advanced electronic warfare suite
Radar-warning systems
Self-protection jamming
Digital map generator
Smart multifunction displays
Modern radio altimeter

Weapons and operational versatility

The Tejas carries:

Astra and I-Derby ER BVR missiles
Short-range missiles such as R-73, Python-5, and ASRAAM
An internal 23mm GSh-23 twin-barrel cannon
Eight hardpoints, including three wet hardpoints for fuel tanks
Pods for FLIR, IRST, and laser designators
Aerial refuelling probe for extended missions

The IAF is relying on the Tejas program to help offset its declining squadron strength.

Second Tejas crash raises questions

Friday’s accident comes less than two years after the Jaisalmer crash. At that time, the IAF had said: “One Tejas aircraft… met with an accident during an operational training sortie. The pilot ejected safely. A Court of Inquiry has been constituted.”

The new crash at an international venue is expected to draw significant scrutiny as investigators examine technical and operational factors behind the fatal incident.