An Indian Tejas fighter jet made by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) crashed at around 2:10 pm local time during a demonstration flight on the final day of the Dubai Air Show, sources told AFP. Witnesses captured dramatic footage of the aircraft failing to regain control mid-maneuver, plunging toward the ground and erupting into a ball of flames that billowed thick, black smoke as emergency crews rushed in.
The Indian Air Force later confirmed via a post on X that the pilot was fatally injured. In its statement, the IAF expressed deep sorrow and announced that a court of inquiry has been launched to investigate what caused the accident.
This Tejas jet, which is India’s indigenous light combat aircraft, was developed to reduce dependence on foreign-made fighters. The Mark 1A version, powered by engines from General Electric, is especially important to India’s long-term plan to modernize its air force. In September, India signed a $7 billion deal for 97 upgraded Tejas Mk 1A jets — a major step in replacing older MiG-21s.
Earlier in the week, social media was abuzz with allegations that a Tejas jet had leaked oil while parked at the show. The Indian government dismissed those claims, explaining that the fluid was simply condensation being drained — a routine procedure under humid conditions.
Experts say it’s too soon to determine what caused the crash, and the UAE’s aviation authorities have not yet commented publicly on whether they’ll lead a local investigation. Meanwhile, General Electric, which manufactures the jet’s engines, said it’s ready to support the inquiry.