Dubai Airshow 2025: Plane crashes during demonstration

Indian Air Force (IAF) to conduct ‘inquiry’

The Indian Air Force (IAF) stated that a Tejas fighter jet was involved in an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow today, resulting in the pilot’s death.

The IAF expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended its support to the pilot’s family.

It added that a court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash.

Dubai Media Office confirms pilot’s death

The Dubai Media Office confirmed the death of the pilot via X, adding that emergency teams are “currently managing the situation on-site.”

“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. Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site,” the Dubai Media Office said.

Indian fighter jet plunges sharply during Dubai Airshow display

The fighter jet dropped sharply during its display.

Spectators in the viewing areas near the runway witnessed the crash, with videos capturing the Tejas executing its routine before abruptly losing height and descending fast.

Seconds later, a plume of dark smoke rose, prompting startled onlookers to step back.

Pilot’s condition remains unknown

Authorities have not yet released any information about the pilot’s condition.

India denies ‘fake’ Tejas oil-leak claims at Dubai Airshow 2025 on Thursday

India’s Ministry of Defence on Thursday rejected social media allegations of an “oil leak” from the indigenously developed LCA Tejas during the Dubai Airshow 2025, stating that the circulating videos are fake and deliberately misleading.

In a strong message posted on X, the Ministry said that certain accounts were intentionally spreading a false narrative to cast doubt on the aircraft’s reliability through baseless propaganda.

The claims surfaced after videos showing liquid dripping from the jet went viral, with some users wrongly suggesting it was a technical fault.

What is India’s HAL Tejas combat aircraft?

The HAL Tejas is India’s homegrown lightweight, single-engine, multi-role fighter jet, designed to replace ageing aircraft like the MiG-21.

It is built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and developed in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under India’s Ministry of Defence.

It represents one of India’s most significant achievements in aerospace engineering and military self-reliance.

Plane crash at Dubai Airshow 2025

A plane crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday.

The HAL Tejas, operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed around 2:10PM while flying a demonstration flight for a crowd.

However, it remains unclear if the pilot ejected.