Newsinc24 Team 
A fighter jet Tejas of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has crashed during the Dubai Air Show, the force said on Friday. According to an international media report, the aircraft crashed in the afternoon local time while flying a demonstration flight at the prestigious Dubai Air Show,sending a plume of thick black smoke over Al Maktoum International Airport as crowds looked on. The pilot died in the crash, the Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed.
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…
Visuals circulating on social media showed the indigenous fighter jet hitting the ground and erupting into a fireball. The Tejas jet went down around 2:10 pm. local time while performing a flying display for spectators,
A Tejas fighter crashed during a display at the Dubai Air Show. Awaiting info on the pilot.
— Anura (अनुर ) ࿗ (@Anura_Indo) November 21, 2025
No ejection. Heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/VUg53cfZWd
The incident marks the second crash involving a Tejas aircraft in less than two years. In March 2024, a Tejas fighter went down in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, the first such accident in the aircraft's 23-year history since its maiden test flight in 2001. The pilot ejected safely in that case. The Tejas is a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft, built to perform air-defence missions, offensive air support, and close-combat operations. It is noted for being one of the lightest and smallest fighters in its class.
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