It was a steep drop, and in a matter of moments, the Indian Air Force's Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday. The video of the crash, which quickly went viral on social media, shows the fighter aircraft erupting into a massive fireball as it plummeted down, with plumes of smoke billowing.
Authorities blared sirens after the IAF jet crash. The pilot operating the warplane was killed in the accident, as per Dubai's state-run media.
When did the Tejas jet crash?
The Indian Tejas jet, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), crashed around 2:10 PM local time on Friday.
Eyewitnesses told AFP that the warplane executed a low roll before bursting into flames in the crash, about 1.6 kilometres from the show 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," Dubai's state-run media office posted on X.
What caused the Tejas jet crash?
The Tejas jet appeared to lose control and dive directly toward the ground just prior to crashing within the grounds of the airfield, according to the AFP report.
Confirming the crash, the IAF said in a statement that a court of inquiry is being constituted to probe the cause of the accident.
“IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” it said in the statement, adding that “a court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident”.
What is HAL Tejas jet — key points to know
- Tejas is India’s indigenous fighter aircraft, which has been jointly developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the IAF.
- Light in weight, the Tejas is a single-seater fighter aircraft with a single engine. The Indian Air Force and the Navy also operate a twin-seater trainer variant of the aircraft.
- It is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter aircraft that is designed to provide offensive air support.
- In September, India’s Defence Ministry signed a contract with HAL to procure 97 Tejas jets for the Indian Air Force. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.
Dubai Airshow
Dubai's second airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, was hosting the biennial Dubai Air Show. The air show has witnessed major aircraft orders by both the long-haul carrier Emirates and its low-cost sister airline FlyDubai.
