Dubai: An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2:10 pm local time near the Al Maktoum International Airport, the venue for the ongoing aviation exhibition.
This is the second crash ever involving a Tejas aircraft, the first one being in 2024 near Jaisalmer.
According to the Associated Press, it was not immediately known whether the pilot managed to eject before the crash. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the area shortly after the aircraft went down.
Preliminary information suggests the aircraft was flying at a low altitude while attempting a manoeuvre when the accident occurred. Sources indicated a possible engine failure, though the Tejas is a fully digital “fly-by-wire” aircraft with advanced computerised controls. An official confirmation on the cause of the crash is awaited.
The IAF had announced its participation in this year’s air show with the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Both aircraft contingents had arrived at the Al Maktoum Airbase last week.
“The global event, with participation from over 100 Air Forces, aims to enhance interoperability, operational edge, and foster military as well as business cooperation,” the IAF said earlier on social media.
This is only the second recorded crash involving a Tejas. The first occurred in March 2024 near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, during a training sortie.
The biennial Dubai Air Show is currently underway in the year marking the 40th anniversary of host carrier Emirates. The event has drawn industry professionals from 150 countries and features participation from leading aerospace and defence firms, including Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Thales, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Calidus. Major aircraft orders were placed by Emirates and its sister airline, FlyDubai, during the exhibition.
The air show began on November 17 and was scheduled to conclude on Friday, November 21—the day the Tejas crash occurred.
