In brief
An Indian fighter jet from the Air Force crashed while performing at the Dubai Airshow, resulting in the pilot's death. The incident occurred on November 21, 2025, and has led to widespread condolences from military officials and the commencement of an inquiry to determine the cause of the crash.
A pilot has died after an Indian fighter jet crashed while performing a display at an airshow in Dubai, officials have said.
The Indian Air Force shared their condolences, stating: 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 crash involved the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd's Tejas jet, which went down at approximately 14:10 local time (10:10 GMT) according to reports from the Associated Press.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident, as confirmed by Dubai's Media Office and the UAE Ministry of Defence. They are managing the situation effectively at the crash site. Video footage from the scene depicts thick black smoke rising into the sky following the crash.
India's Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anial Chauhan, expressed deep regret over the incident, stating that all ranks of the Indian Army "stand firmly" with the pilot's family during this difficult time.
The crash occurred on the final day of the Dubai Airshow 2025, which attracted over 148,000 attendees from 1,500 companies, showcasing aviation advancements and aerial displays. The event was hosted at Al Maktoum International Airport.
