Tejas Jet Crashes at Dubai Air Show; IAF Launches Probe
Tejas Jet Crashes at Dubai Air Show; IAF Launches Probe
Tejas fighter jet crashes during a Dubai Air Show demonstration; IAF launches probe into cause, as spectators watch in shock.
A HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, sending smoke into the clear sky as spectators watched. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. local time, according to reports. The fate of the pilot has not been confirmed, and officials said a probe is underway to determine what went wrong.
The crash marked one of the rare public incidents involving the Tejas, with Hindustan Times noting this would be the second crash in Tejas' service history, the first reportedly in 2024 near Jaisalmer. In Dubai, witnesses described a sudden loss of control followed by an explosion and a ball of flame, with black smoke rising over the airport as crowds watched in disbelief.
The Indian Air Force said it has ordered an immediate investigation and is coordinating with UAE authorities. Officials stressed that safety protocols for air shows are under review and that the Tejas program continues, with teams assessing the airframe, avionics, and flight-test data to determine the cause and prevent a recurrence. More updates are expected as investigators collect data from the crash site and inspect the aircraft debris.
For now, families and fans of Indian aviation are awaiting official word on the pilot's condition and the potential impact on future demonstrations of the Tejas at international events.
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