DUBAI: An Indian Fighter aircraft, the indigenously developed Tejas, crashed during a demonstration flight at the final show of Dubai Air Display, causing yet another global embarrassment for India. Indian Air Force Confirmed.
According to Media reports, Rescue operations began immediately, the Dubai Air Show was temporarily halted, and visitors were directed back to the exhibition area.
In a statement by Indian Air Force on X stated that an IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show on Friday Afternoon.
It said the pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.
The Dubai Airshow is one of the largest airshows in the world. The 2025 show began on November 17 and will run until November 24.
This is Tejas, India’s invincible response to Rafael, Sukoi, F35 and J10. None could do the following trick at the Dubai air show. I didn’t believe when some traitors said yesterday that it was leaking oil. pic.twitter.com/Tesq6tnJ4x
— Jayant Bhandari (@JayantBhandari5) November 21, 2025
Over 1,500 exhibitors have come together for this showcase of all things aviation. Follow live updates on this incident with Gulf News.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Indian Air Force has sent its Surya Kiran aerobatic team and Tejas fighter jets to impress the crowd from November 17 to 21.
But things didn’t go as planned. On the first day, the Tejas jets were seen leaking oil on the tarmac. Indian Air Force technicians had to use shopping bags to stop the leakage.
Many called it an embarrassment for India and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited after decades of work and big spending.
Earlier, photos of Indian Air Force officers posing with Pakistan’s latest fighter jet JF-17 Block 3 at the Dubai Air Show have emerged, showcasing India’s keen interest in the aircraft.
The pictures that went viral on social media show Indian officials standing near the aircraft, while other stalls at the show are also visible in the background.
According to aviation circles, military personnel from different countries take a close look at modern fighter jets at international air shows and get information, which is a routine activity.
However, the presence of Indian officers with the JF-17 Block 3 has once again drawn global attention to this aircraft.
