IAF Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes During Aerial Display at Dubai Air Show 2025
A major accident occurred at the Dubai Air Show 2025 on Friday afternoon when an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during a high-speed aerobatic demonstration. The aircraft went down at around 2:10 pm local time, sending a plume of thick black smoke into the sky and triggering panic among spectators gathered for the international event.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the crash shortly after the incident.
“A Tejas of IAF has crashed in Dubai Air Show-25. Further details are being ascertained,” the IAF spokesperson said.
Emergency response teams immediately rushed to the site, but there is still no confirmation on the condition of the pilot, including whether an ejection was possible before impact. Authorities in Dubai and the IAF are expected to release a detailed statement soon.
The Dubai Air Show is one of the world’s largest aviation expos, featuring advanced aircraft from multiple nations. The IAF Tejas had been participating in aerial demonstrations aimed at showcasing India's indigenous aviation prowess.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud boom moments before the jet spiraled downward. Families, children, and aviation enthusiasts who had gathered for the show were seen running for cover as smoke rose near the airport perimeter.
The accident has reignited discussions around India’s indigenous fighter program, though experts emphasize that air show crashes—while rare—can occur even with the most advanced aircraft and highly trained pilots, given the extreme maneuvers performed.
International aviation analysts noted that Tejas had impressed spectators earlier in the week with precision stunts and mid-air turns, making the sudden crash a shocking development.
What Is Tejas?
The HAL Tejas is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter aircraft developed in India. Designed for offensive air support, close combat, and ground-attack missions, it is also capable of maritime operations.
The latest variant, LCA Mk1A, includes:
– AESA radar
– Advanced electronic warfare suite
– Self-protection jamming
– Digital map generator
– Smart multifunction displays
– Combined interrogator & transponder
– Modern radio altimeter
It is regarded as one of India's most sophisticated indigenous defence platforms.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The Tejas crash at the Dubai Air Show 2025 is a deeply concerning moment for India’s aviation and defence community. While investigations will reveal the cause, it is important to acknowledge the risks that pilots take while demonstrating complex aerobatics before global audiences. The incident also underlines the importance of safety protocols, real-time monitoring, and international coordination at large-scale air shows. Tejas remains a landmark achievement in India’s indigenous defence capabilities, and a single incident does not diminish the years of engineering progress behind the program. Our thoughts remain with the pilot, the IAF team, and all those affected by the crash.