AP, Dubai: An Indian Air Force pilot was killed on Friday when an Indian-made fighter jet went down during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, the Indian Air Force confirmed.
The HAL Tejas aircraft, which had made several passes over the venue, crashed at around 2:10 p.m. local time after suddenly losing control and plunging into the ground within the airfield. The IAF said the pilot suffered fatal injuries and expressed condolences to the family, adding that a formal inquiry has been launched to determine what caused the accident.
Thick black smoke was seen rising from Al Maktoum International Airport, where the biennial air show was taking place. Emergency teams quickly responded, and police cordoned off the area. An Indian diplomatic vehicle was also spotted near the crash zone.
Despite the incident, flight displays resumed about 30 minutes later while recovery crews remained on-site.
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Tejas, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is India’s domestically built light combat aircraft and is considered vital for strengthening the country's fighter fleet. India recently signed contracts for nearly 100 additional jets, with deliveries set to begin in 2027, though previous orders have faced delays due to engine shortages.
Just a day earlier, Indian authorities dismissed online rumors claiming a Tejas jet at the show had suffered an oil leak, calling the allegations baseless. It remains unknown whether that aircraft was the one involved in Friday’s crash.
A Tejas fighter also crashed in Rajasthan last year, though the pilot survived that incident.
