Indian fighter jet crashes at Dubai air show, killing pilot

An Indian fighter jet crashed at the Dubai Airshow in the United Arab Emirates on Friday, killing the pilot on board, officials said.

Videos circulating on social media showed the IAF’s Tejas aircraft catching fire as it hit the ground, prompting gasps from the crowd gathered at the event.

“The pilot was fatally injured in the accident,” the Indian Air Force wrote on X, stressing that an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the accident. “The IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of mourning.”

“A Tejas fighter jet from India participating in today’s air show at the Dubai Airshow crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot,” Dubai Media Office added. “Firefighters and emergency crews responded quickly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on scene.”

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Emergency services attend the scene after an Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during an event at the Dubai Airshow, at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, November 21, 2025. (Dubai Media Bureau via AP)

An SUV with diplomatic plates displaying the Indian flag was seen at the accident site, along with police and emergency personnel.

The air show then resumed flight demonstrations, with the Russian Knights aerobatic team flying overhead while emergency crews were still working at the crash site, the Associated Press reported.

The Tejas is India’s combat aircraft, built by the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

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Smoke billows following the crash of an Indian Tejas fighter jet, after it lost altitude and crashed during an air display at the Dubai Airshow, in this screenshot obtained from an eyewitness video. (Jignesh Variya/Reuters)

The lightweight single-engine plane is expected to bolster India’s dwindling fighter fleet as China expands its military presence in South Asia, including strengthening defense ties with Indian rival Pakistan, according to the AP.

In September, India’s defense ministry signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, or HAL, to acquire 97 Tejas jets for the air force. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.

The Indian fighter jet is seen in flight during a demonstration moments before crashing at the Dubai Airshow, Friday, November 21, 2025. (Jon Gambrell/AP)

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A Tejas fighter jet crashed last year in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, but the pilot ejected safely in that incident.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.