Indian Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes During Dubai Air Show Demonstration

A dramatic scene unfolded at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon when an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerobatic display. The aircraft went down at around 2:10 pm local time, moments after entering a steep manoeuvre in front of thousands of spectators gathered at Al Maktoum International Airport.

Videos circulating online show the jet descending rapidly before striking the ground, followed by a heavy plume of black smoke rising from the crash site. Families, aviation enthusiasts and exhibitors were seen rushing away from the runway as emergency sirens echoed throughout the venue.

Authorities moved quickly, deploying fire and rescue teams to contain the blaze and secure the area. The air show’s outdoor demonstrations were temporarily suspended as security personnel redirected visitors back to the exhibition hall.

Officials have yet to confirm whether the pilot managed to eject before the impact. Both Dubai authorities and the Indian Air Force are expected to release formal statements once the site is fully secured.

This marks only the second known crash involving a Tejas fighter jet. The first occurred in 2024 near Jaisalmer during an operational training sortie, making this incident another significant setback for India’s indigenous combat aircraft programme.

The Tejas is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Designed for offensive and defensive missions, the aircraft is used by the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy in several variants, including the modern Mk1A configuration equipped with advanced radar, electronic warfare systems and digital cockpit technology.

The Dubai Air Show remains one of the world’s most prominent aerospace events, featuring more than 1,500 exhibitors this year. While the schedule has been adjusted, the exhibition continues as authorities investigate the crash and assess safety measures for the remainder of the event.