An Indian-built Tejas fighter jet crashed during a display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, killing the pilot, authorities confirmed.
Emergency teams were immediately deployed, and firefighters battled the blaze near the Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central.
The crash occurred at about 2:10 p.m. local time (1010 GMT) after the jet performed a low roll, diving in flames around 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from the show site. Witnesses reported the aircraft had completed several passes before appearing to lose control and plunge to the ground.
The Indian Air Force expressed deep condolences, confirming the pilot’s death and announcing a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. Dubai state media also confirmed the fatal incident.
The single-engine, lightweight Tejas jet is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). India’s Defense Ministry has ordered 97 units to modernize its air force, which primarily relies on Russian and ex-Soviet aircraft amid increasing tensions with China and Pakistan.
Friday’s crash marks the second known incident involving the Tejas aircraft. A previous crash occurred during a training exercise in Rajasthan in 2024, though the pilot survived. Delays in deliveries have been linked to the import of General Electric engines from the United States.
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