Pilot killed after Indian fighter jet crashes at Dubai Airshow

An Indian fighter jet has crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Airshow, resulting in the death of the pilot.

The incident involving the Indian Air Force Tejas aircraft took place on the final day of the event, Dubai Media Office said on X. 

Firefighting and emergency teams are currently managing the situation on-site.

A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today’s flying display at the Dubai Airshow has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot. Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site. pic.twitter.com/LpdE87YjLM

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 21, 2025

The UAE Ministry of Defence also issued a statement on social media.

في حادث مؤلم وقع منذ قليل، لقي طيار تابع للقوات الجوية الهندية حتفه اليوم حيث تحطمت طائرته المقاتلة من طراز "تيجاس" متعددة المهام خلال مشاركتها في العرض الجوي المصاحب لمعرض دبي للطيران . تعاملت الفرق المعنية على الفور مع الحادث.

A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating… pic.twitter.com/s8GG7ufPOr

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) November 21, 2025

In a post on social media platform X, Indian Air Force said a "court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident".

The IAF said it "deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief".

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.

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…

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 21, 2025

Tejas is a single-seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

This is the second crash of the fighter jet in less than two years. The first was during a drill in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer in 2024, in which the pilot managed to eject safely.