India’s HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at Dubai Air Show 2025, killing the Indian Air Force pilot. The tragic incident raises safety concerns around the indigenous Tejas program. A court of inquiry has been ordered as global defence observers await clarity.
HAL Tejas Fighter Jet Crash at Dubai Air Show 2025 Kills IAF Pilot, Sparks Global Safety Concerns
TheInterviewTimes.com | November 21, 2025: The Indian-made Tejas Fighter Jet crashed during a high-profile aerial display at the Dubai Air Show 2025, resulting in the tragic death of an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot. The accident took place at 2:10 p.m. local time (5:40 p.m. IST) at Dubai World Central’s Al Maktoum International Airport, stunning thousands of spectators who had gathered for the event’s final day.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft make an abrupt downward maneuver before exploding on impact near the runway, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky. Videos circulating online showed emergency response teams rushing to the crash site within moments.
IAF Confirms Tejas Fighter Jet Crash; Court of Inquiry Ordered
The Indian Air Force issued a formal statement expressing deep regret over the loss of its pilot. The statement said:
“An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family. A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.”
An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 21, 2025
IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.
A court of inquiry is being…
This marks only the second known crash of the indigenous HAL Tejas light combat aircraft since its induction. The earlier crash in March 2024 occurred during a training sortie in India, but the pilot had ejected safely.
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed coordination with Indian authorities and stated that its emergency teams “acted swiftly to manage the situation and secure the crash zone.”
Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show. Pilot status awaited. It is not clear yet if the pilot ejected. Prayers. pic.twitter.com/9wUGOTDKxY
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) November 21, 2025
Major Setback for India’s Indigenous Fighter Program
The HAL Tejas platform is a flagship achievement of India’s defence manufacturing sector and a central pillar of the IAF’s modernization plan. With more than 200 aircraft on order and several foreign nations evaluating the plane for potential purchases, the crash comes at a critical time for India’s defence export ambitions.
The Tejas Fighter Jet has been on display at major international defence exhibitions, and its performance at Dubai Air Show 2025 was expected to play an important role in shaping interest from Gulf, African, and Southeast Asian nations.
However, today’s incident has raised new questions about:
- Flight safety standards
- Performance in extreme demonstration conditions
- Reliability of indigenous military platforms
While defence experts remain cautious about drawing conclusions, many note that demonstration flights often involve manoeuvres far more aggressive than routine operational missions.
Dubai Air Show 2025: A High-Stakes Stage for India
This year’s Dubai Air Show featured participants from over 100 countries, with major defence and aerospace deals crossing multiple billions of dollars. India’s participation was strategically significant as it sought to position the Tejas Fighter Jet as a competitive export-ready platform.
The crash cast a shadow over an otherwise successful aviation showcase and led to the suspension of further demonstration flights involving the IAF.
Event organizers issued condolences and confirmed that the incident did not affect public safety beyond the crash perimeter.
Investigation Underway; Pilot’s Identity Withheld
Authorities have not released the pilot’s name, pending notification of next of kin. The IAF’s court of inquiry will focus on:
- Potential technical malfunctions
- Possible pilot-induced factors
- External conditions during the demonstration
- Aircraft’s pre-flight inspection and maintenance history
Officials said preliminary findings may take weeks, as both HAL and the IAF conduct a thorough joint analysis.
Must Read: India Su-57E Deal: Russia Offers Game-Changing Su-57E and Su-35M Fighter Jets
Key Takeaways
- An Indian HAL Tejas Fighter Jet crashed during a display at Dubai Air Show 2025, killing the IAF pilot.
- The crash is only the second known Tejas accident since its induction.
- A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash.
- The incident comes at a sensitive time for India’s defence export plans involving the Tejas.
- Safety, reliability, and global perceptions of the Tejas program are under increased scrutiny.