An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, leaving the pilot dead, authorities confirmed.

The IAF stated that the indigenous Tejas Mk-1 aircraft went down while performing an aerobatic maneuver at approximately 14:10 local time. Witnesses reported seeing the jet lose altitude sharply before erupting into flames upon impact.

In an official statement shared on the IAF’s social media account, the spokesperson said:
“During a display at the Dubai Air Show today, an IAF Tejas aircraft crashed. The pilot has lost his life.”

Emergency teams immediately cordoned off the crash site, and the air show temporarily halted scheduled demonstrations as rescue units responded.

Investigation Launched

Indian authorities announced that a Court of Inquiry has been established to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The Ministry of Defence also reiterated that previous claims of an alleged oil leak in the Tejas aircraft were false, clarifying that the video circulating online showed “planned condensation discharge from onboard systems,” a routine procedure for aircraft operating in high-temperature environments such as Dubai.

Background on the Tejas Program

The Tejas is a multi-role, single-engine supersonic fighter jet developed jointly by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and India’s Ministry of Defence.
More than 30 years in development, the program was approved in 1983, with initial service entry planned for 1994, though the aircraft officially joined the Indian Air Force only in 2015.

The aircraft showcased in Dubai was part of India’s push to promote its domestically produced defense equipment to global markets.

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pilot.(ILKHA)