During the display, the Tejas jet went down in front of spectators on the final day of the airshow. The IAF confirmed via social media that the pilot suffered “fatal injuries” and emphasized that an investigation is underway to determine the cause. The statement added, “The IAF expresses deep sorrow over the loss of life and stands with the bereaved family during this difficult time.”

Eyewitness Accounts and Initial Images

Photos released by Indian media showed the jet covered in flames and black smoke. An eyewitness told Reuters that the aircraft was flying at low altitude before descending rapidly like a fireball.

The crash caused sirens at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, which hosts the biennial airshow expected to draw around 150,000 visitors this year. It is not yet clear if there were additional injuries.

The Dubai Government Media Office described the pilot’s death as “tragic” and shared images of the aircraft wreckage being cleared with hoses. The office stated, “Fire and emergency teams responded swiftly and are currently managing the situation on site.” Airshow performances resumed less than two hours after emergency crews secured the area.

Significance of the Tejas Jet and the Indian Air Force

Manufactured by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas jet is a symbol of India’s efforts to modernize its air force. The aircraft is especially significant as New Delhi seeks to strengthen its aerial capabilities amid China supplying weapons to neighboring Pakistan.

The Dubai crash is another setback for the Indian Air Force. In March, a Tejas jet also crashed in Rajasthan, marking the first recorded incident since the aircraft’s initial test flight in 2001. The pilot survived that crash.

Regional Tensions and Previous Jet Losses

In May, India and Pakistan entered their heaviest conflict in decades, following an April attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed over two dozen tourists. The clashes involved fighter jets and cruise missiles. India blamed Islamabad for the attack; Pakistan strongly denied responsibility.

During the conflict, Pakistan claimed to have shot down at least five Indian jets, which India initially dismissed as “disinformation.” However, a senior Indian general later confirmed unspecified jet losses. In July, former U.S. President Donald Trump also mentioned that “five, four, or five jets” had been downed.

In November, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s annual report to Congress noted that three Indian jets were lost during the clashes. The report highlighted that China supplied more than 80% of Pakistan’s arms imports between 2019 and 2023.