An Indian Air Force pilot was killed on Friday after his HAL Tejas combat jet crashed during a demonstration flight for spectators at the Dubai Air Show.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:10 p.m. local time. The aircraft had completed several passes over the event site at Al Maktoum International Airport when it appeared to lose control and dive toward the ground, crashing within the airfield. Onlookers witnessed black smoke rising over the airport as sirens sounded in the immediate aftermath.
In a statement, the Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed the pilot sustained fatal injuries. “IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the force stated, adding that a court of inquiry is being established to ascertain the cause of the accident. Dubai police and airport officials did not offer an immediate comment.
The Tejas is India’s indigenous lightweight, single-engine fighter aircraft, built by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The jet is expected to bolster India’s fighter fleet amid China’s expanding military presence in South Asia.
The Indian government has placed significant orders for the aircraft. In September, the Defense Ministry signed a contract with HAL for 97 Tejas jets, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. A previous deal in 2021 for 83 aircraft has been delayed, largely due to shortages of engines imported from the United States.
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