Indian Tejas fighter crashes at Dubai Airshow

This picture taken on 20 November 2025 shows an IAF HAL Tejas Mk 1 performing an aerial display flight at Al Maktoum International Airport during the Dubai Airshow 2025. (Giuseppe CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Tejas fighter aircraft participating in the Dubai Airshow 2025 has crashed on 21 November while conducting aerial manoeuvres.

Janes, which was on-site at the exhibition at Al Maktoum International Airport, estimates that the accident happened at around 1413 h local time. The incident occurred while the aircraft was flying in from the east in a southwesterly direction over the airport area.

In a statement about 30 minutes after the incident, the IAF confirmed the loss of a Tejas aircraft, adding that it would investigate the crash. “The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident,” the IAF said. “A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.”

A photograph of the crash site published by the Government of Dubai Media Office on X shortly after indicates that the aircraft impacted the ground in an open area just beyond the airport. “Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident,” it added.

The crash, which took place on the last day of the show, occurred while the aircraft was participating in the aerial display programme, which commenced over the exhibition area after noon.

Janes observed that the Tejas took off following the completion of manoeuvres by a US Air Force Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II from the F-35 aerial demonstration team assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing.