The Indian HAL Tejas combat aircraft, used in the Indian Air Force, crashed around 2:10 p.m. on Friday
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The Indian HAL Tejas crashed at the the Dubai Air Show on Nov.21, 2025.
A pilot is dead after a fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show this week.
On Friday, Nov. 21, the Indian HAL Tejas combat aircraft, used in the Indian Air Force, crashed around 2:10 p.m. local time as a crowd watched the demonstration flight near the Al Maktoum International Airport, according to Sky News and the BBC.
In footage shared on social media, black smoke could be seen billowing up into the sky as a huge fire ball exploded. Onlookers were also heard gasping and standing up in shock.
“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,” the Indian Air Force wrote on X. “IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.”
They added, “A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident.”
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PEOPLE has contacted the Dubai Air Show and Dubai’s Media Office and the UAE Ministry of Defence for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Dubai’s Media Office and the UAE Ministry of Defence told the BBC that firefighters and emergency services “responded rapidly” to the scene and were still monitoring the location.
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“In a tragic accident that occurred just moments ago, a pilot from the Indian Air Force lost his life today when his multi-role Tejas fighter aircraft crashed during its participation in the flying display accompanying the Dubai Airshow,” the UAE Ministry of Defence wrote on X. “The relevant teams responded immediately to the incident.”
“A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today’s flying display at the Dubai Airshow has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot,” officials added. “Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site.”
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India’s Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan told the BBC that the Indian Army “deeply regret the incident” and “stand firmly” with the late pilot’s loved ones.
The Dubai Air Show was on the last day of its five-day event when the crash happened, according to its website.
