IAF Pilot Killed as Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes During Display at Dubai Air Show

New Delhi, Nov 2025 : In a tragic incident, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, resulting in the death of the pilot. The accident occurred during a scheduled display at one of the world’s most prominent aviation exhibitions, drawing immediate shock and condolences from across the global aerospace community.

Confirming the news on X, the IAF stated, “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.”
The Air Force further added that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the crash.

The Dubai Air Show, held biennially, is known for major defence and aviation announcements. This year’s edition witnessed significant global participation, but the fatal accident cast a shadow over the event.

This marks the second crash involving a Tejas aircraft. The first occurred in March 2024, when a Tejas fighter went down near Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer. That incident was notable as the aircraft had maintained a spotless record for 23 years since its maiden flight in 2001. In the 2024 crash, the pilot had ejected safely.

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is a 4.5-generation, all-weather, multi-role fighter jet designed for offensive air support, close combat, and ground attack roles. It is also capable of maritime operations, making it one of India’s most versatile indigenous aircraft. The jet is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and has been a critical component of India’s push for defence indigenisation.

The tragedy comes at a time when India made significant headlines at the Dubai Air Show following renewed high-technology defence cooperation with Germany. On November 19, HAL signed a landmark agreement with German state-backed defence electronics manufacturer HENSOLDT. The pact focuses on the joint development of a cutting-edge LiDAR-based Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS) for Indian military helicopters—an advancement expected to boost flight safety, especially in challenging terrains.

The agreement marks a major revival of Indo-German defence collaboration nearly three decades after previous joint programmes in aerospace and maritime sectors. The new initiative has already generated considerable interest among international defence observers.

As the investigation into the Tejas crash begins, tributes continue to pour in for the fallen pilot, whose service and sacrifice have been widely acknowledged across military and civil aviation circles.