IAF's Tejas Jet Crashes During Dubai Air Show, Pilot Dies

Deeply regret incident, says CDS; Rahul condoles death

PTI, NEW DELHI/DUBAI, NOV 21, 2025: A fighter jet Tejas of the Indian Air Force crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, killing its pilot, the IAF said. Visuals of the crash aired on various TV channels showed the jet dropping altitude and then crashing on the ground, before being engulfed in a ball of fire. As smoke billowed out of the crash site, the sight left the spectators shocked.

In March 2024, a Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) of the IAF had crashed near a residential colony in Jaisalmer while returning from the tri-services military exercise 'Bharat Shakti' in Pokhran desert, in what was the first accident involving the indigenously-built single-engine jet since it began flying in 2001. The pilot had ejected safely.

On Friday, the jet crashed in the afternoon local time while flying a demonstration flight at the prestigious airshow. "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. The IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief. A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident," the IAF said in a brief statement posted on its X handle.

Tejas crash: The IAF pilot has been identified as Wing Commander Namansh Syal of Himachal Pradesh

More details related to the deceased pilot and the court of inquiry are awaited. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan said the armed forces stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief. "General Anil Chauhan, CDS, and all ranks of Indian Armed Forces deeply regret the incident in which 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. We deeply regret the loss of life and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief," the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) said in a post on X.

According to a post on X by Dubai Media Office: "A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today's flying display at the Dubai Air Show has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot. Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site."

The Dubai Air Show is a biennial event held in the UAE, and has both flying and static displays. The crash of the Tejas has cast a tragic shadow on an otherwise mega spectacle.

The Congress on Friday condoled the death of the pilot, with Rahul Gandhi saying the nation stands with the family of the pilot, honouring his courage and service. Visuals of the crash aired on various TV channels showed the IAF's fighter jet dropping altitude and then crashing on the ground, before being engulfed in a ball of fire. As smoke billowed out of the crash site, the sight left the spectators shocked.

In a post on X, Rahul said: "Deeply saddened by the loss of our brave IAF pilot in the Tejas crash at the Dubai Air Show." "My heartfelt condolences to his family. The nation stands with them, honouring his courage and service," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.

The IAF pilot has been identified as Wing Commander Namansh Syal of Himachal Pradesh.