An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1) crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, resulting in the death of the pilot, the IAF confirmed. The aircraft reportedly nose-dived while executing a low manoeuvre, before hitting the ground and bursting into flames.
“An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the 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,” said the IAF in a statement. It added that a court of inquiry would investigate the circumstances leading to the crash.
Footage widely circulated online showed the indigenous fighter jet plummeting abruptly before exploding upon impact. The tragic accident comes at a significant moment for the IAF, which is preparing to induct the upgraded LCA Mk-1A variant into its fleet.
This marks the second recorded crash involving a Tejas aircraft. The previous incident occurred on 12 March 2024, when a single-engine Tejas went down near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan shortly after participating in a tri-services exercise. In that case, the pilot managed to eject safely.
The aircraft involved in both crashes belonged to the LCA Mk-1 series, which includes the initial operational clearance (IOC) and the more advanced final operational clearance (FOC) configurations, the first versions of India’s home-grown light combat jet. The IAF inducted its first Tejas in July 2016 and currently operates two squadrons, each comprising between 16 and 18 aircraft.
The crash unfolded on the final day of the biennial Dubai Airshow, which was being held during the 40th anniversary year of host airline Emirates. The event had drawn industry personnel from 150 countries and served as a major platform for defence manufacturers and aerospace companies. The Dubai Airshow began on 17 November and was scheduled to conclude on 21 November.
