TL;DR : An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flying show in Dubai on November 21, 2025. The pilot died because he could not eject. The Indian Air Force has started an investigation. Videos showed the jet falling suddenly and bursting into flames.
WHAT HAPPENED
- An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow on November 21, 2025, around 2:10 p.m. local time.
- The jet nose-dived suddenly and exploded into a fireball, with thick black smoke rising from the crash site.
- The pilot did not eject and died in the crash; this was confirmed by the Indian Air Force.
- Dubai emergency teams responded within seconds and secured the area; flying displays resumed about 90 minutes later.
- This was the second known crash of the Tejas fighter jet, the first being in 2024 when the pilot survived.
EYEWITNESS & VIDEO DETAILS
- Videos posted online showed the aircraft flying normally before suddenly diving to the ground.
- Eyewitness Jignesh Variya said, "I could see three different fireballs when it collided with the ground."
- He added that emergency vehicles reached the crash site within about 30 seconds.
OFFICIAL STATEMENTS
- The Indian Air Force said, "A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident."
- GE, the engine supplier, said, "We are deeply saddened by the loss... and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the loved ones of the pilot."
- Dubai’s government confirmed the crash and described it as a “tragic” incident, praising the quick emergency response.
BACKGROUND & CONTEXT
- The Tejas is India’s homegrown light combat aircraft, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and powered by GE engines.
- It is key to India’s plan to replace older MiG-21 fighters, with the IAF planning to operate nearly 220 Tejas aircraft.
- India had been showcasing the Tejas at the Dubai Airshow to attract foreign buyers, though export interest has been limited so far.
INVESTIGATION & NEXT STEPS
- The cause of the crash is still unknown; investigators will study flight data, aircraft systems, and the maneuver attempted.
- Social media rumors about an “oil leak” earlier in the week were dismissed by India’s Ministry of Defence as normal water condensation, not a technical fault.
- The crash raised short-term concerns about Tejas reliability, but long-term impact on the program will depend on the inquiry’s results.