Dubai Airshow 2025: Tejas jet crash – what we know so far
Crash occurred during a flight demonstration at Al Maktoum International Airport.
An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot has died after a Tejas fighter jet crashed and caught fire during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow 2025 on Friday.
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that a court of inquiry has been set up to investigate the cause of the crash.
The aircraft went down while performing a flight demonstration before a large crowd at Al Maktoum International Airport.
Here’s all about the Tejas jet crash at Dubai Airshow 2025:
Incident: An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during the final afternoon demonstration at the Dubai Airshow on November 21, 2025.
Immediate Response: Rescue operations were launched within minutes; the show was temporarily halted, and visitors were directed back to the exhibition area.
Witnesses: Spectators saw the jet lose altitude rapidly; a column of black smoke rose, causing panic.
Pilot Status: The IAF confirmed the pilot sustained fatal injuries.
About the Tejas:
Single-engine, multirole light combat aircraft, agile delta-wing design.
Mk 1A upgrades: AESA radar, electronic warfare suite, BVR missiles, air-to-air refuelling, higher indigenous content.
Orders: 83 jets ordered; 97 more planned with GE engines (2027–2032); third production line in Nashik raises output to ~24 jets/year.
Strategic role: Replaces MiG-21/27, reduces dependence on foreign imports, provides scalable, modern domestic platform.
Advantage: Lightweight, manoeuvrable, suited to varied environments, smaller logistical footprint.
Airshow Context: Dubai Airshow runs from Nov 17–24, 2025, featuring over 1,500 exhibitors and one of the world’s largest aviation showcases.
Tejas Jet Crash Timeline
~1:30 pm: Surya Kiran aerobatic team performs a display celebrating India–UAE relations, including a heart-shaped formation. Crowds cheer and take photos.
Just after 2:10 pm: India’s Tejas fighter jet appears for its scheduled aerobatic routine (No. 3 in the lineup).
~2:13 pm: During a steep climb, the aircraft appears to lose power mid-ascent and plunges sharply toward the open ground near spectators. A deafening impact is heard.
Immediate reaction: Spectators scream and panic. Journalists and defence experts fear for the pilot’s survival.
Within a minute: Emergency response teams, including Civil Defence, police, and paramedics, rush to the crash site. A helicopter lands as first responders secure the area.
Show temporarily halted: Visitors are directed back to exhibition halls as rescue operations continue.
2:40 pm: The rescue helicopter lifts off from the crash site. Spectators begin leaving quietly, many in shock.
