Dubai, United Arab Emirates — A fatal accident shocked spectators at the Dubai Air Show on Friday when an Indian HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed moments after beginning a demonstration flight, killing its sole pilot.
The aircraft went down at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai World Central, erupting into a massive fireball and sending thick black smoke into the sky. Emergency crews — including police, ambulances, and a helicopter — rushed to the scene and used firefighting foam to extinguish the flames.
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Families and aviation enthusiasts watching from the grandstand gasped in horror as the jet appeared to lose control and plunge directly into the ground.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the tragedy, stating that the pilot “sustained fatal injuries in the accident.” In a statement, it added: “IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.” A court of inquiry will be launched to determine the cause of the crash.
Emirati authorities will also conduct a separate investigation. The Dubai Media Office said firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly and continue to manage the scene.
A diplomatic vehicle bearing the Indian flag was seen at the crash site as officials assessed the damage.
Despite the tragedy, the air show resumed about 90 minutes later, with the Russian Knights aerobatic team performing overhead even as emergency crews continued their work nearby.
The HAL Tejas is India’s homegrown, lightweight, single-engine fighter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It has become an increasingly important component of India’s air power strategy as New Delhi seeks to modernize its fleet amid rising security tensions in the region. India recently signed a major contract for 97 additional Tejas jets, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. A previous order of 83 aircraft, placed in 2021, has faced delays due to shortages of U.S.-supplied engines.
Just a day before the crash, India’s Press Information Bureau had dismissed social media claims of an oil leak involving a Tejas jet at the air show, calling the allegations “false” and “baseless propaganda.” It remains unclear whether the aircraft involved in those reports was the same jet that crashed on Friday.
Footage circulating online appeared to show liquid dripping from the aircraft into bags on the tarmac, but investigators have yet to comment on any potential link.
More details are expected as inquiries progress.
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