An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show, sending shockwaves across the event. The incident, captured on camera, shows the aircraft wobbling mid-air, flipping sharply, and losing control before bursting into flames on the ground. Emergency crews rushed to the scene as thick black smoke rose near the airfield’s perimeter, causing panic among onlookers.
An IAF Tejas Fighter Jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Airshow on Nov 21, 2025 at about 14:10 local (≈15:40 IST). Emergency teams rushed to the scene; pilot status not yet confirmed. Authorities investigating.#DubaiAirShow #Tejas #TejasFighterJet… pic.twitter.com/V9qcElbdKr
— Buzz Alerts (@BuzzAlertsLive) November 21, 2025
The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident, noting that a Tejas aircraft had crashed during the Dubai Air Show-25 and that additional information was being collected.
The HAL-built aircraft crashed at roughly 2:10 pm local time while showcasing its manoeuvres in front of a large crowd. Sadly, the pilot lost his life, and authorities are investigating the cause.
What is Tejas?
This 4.5-generation fighter is engineered for a range of missions, including offensive air support, close-quarters combat, and precision ground attacks. The advanced LCA Mk1A variant features an AESA radar, electronic warfare systems, smart displays, a transponder, and radar-warning systems. These upgrades enhance its operational capabilities, making it one of India’s most versatile indigenous fighter jets.