An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot was killed on Friday when a Tejas fighter jet crashed during a high-speed aerial display at the Dubai Air Show, sending a massive plume of smoke over Al Maktoum International Airport as stunned spectators looked on.
The IAF confirmed the death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, the pilot of the single-seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
“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. Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the Air Force said in a statement, adding that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause.
The aircraft crashed around 2:10 pm local time, according to eyewitnesses and video footage. Visuals showed the jet descending rapidly before striking the ground and erupting into flames. The pilot did not eject, despite the aircraft being equipped with a zero-zero Martin-Baker ejection seat designed for emergency use at low altitude.
Early video analysis suggests the aircraft may have failed to recover from a negative-G manoeuvre executed at low altitude — a signature part of Tejas’s aerobatic routine. The jet briefly appeared wings-level before losing altitude too rapidly to pull out of the descent.
Dubai authorities said firefighting and emergency teams responded immediately and brought the blaze under control.
HAL also issued a statement expressing deep sorrow: “HAL is deeply saddened by the loss of the courageous IAF pilot during the aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. HAL expresses its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.”
The crash occurred during the biennial Dubai Air Show — one of the world’s premier aviation events — which this week saw major commercial aircraft orders from Emirates and FlyDubai. The incident halted portions of the air display schedule.
This is the second Tejas crash in less than two years. In March 2024, another Tejas fighter went down in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer — the first accident since the aircraft’s maiden flight in 2001. That pilot ejected safely.
The Tejas, a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft, is central to India’s military modernization program. In September, the Indian government signed a contract with HAL to purchase 97 additional Tejas fighters, with deliveries beginning in 2027. Another order for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets was signed in 2021, though deliveries are delayed.
Indian leaders across party lines expressed condolences following the tragedy.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, said he was “deeply saddened by the loss of our brave IAF pilot,” adding that the nation stands with the family in grief.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was “deeply anguished,” calling Wing Commander Syal “brave and courageous.”
A formal investigation will now examine the aircraft’s final moments, pilot response, and potential mechanical or structural issues.