Dubai: An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flying display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, resulting in the death of the pilot, officials confirmed. Witnesses reported the aircraft was flying at low altitude around 2:15 pm (1015 GMT) before descending in a ball of fire, sending plumes of black smoke into the sky.
The IAF confirmed the pilot sustained fatal injuries and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident, the IAF said on X. Dubai authorities also confirmed the crash, describing it as a tragic incident during the aerial display.
Videos circulating on social media captured the fighter jet hitting the ground and bursting into flames, shocking onlookers. This marks the second known crash of the Tejas aircraft, powered by General Electric engines, the first having occurred during an exercise in India in 2024.
Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder Makes Waves at Dubai Airshow
Amid the Tejas crash, Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder emerged as a highlight of the Dubai Airshow. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that a “friendly country” signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to procure the JF-17 fighter aircraft, drawing significant attention from defense analysts and aviation experts.
The JF-17 Thunder is an advanced, lightweight, all-weather, multi-role fighter aircraft developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Kamra, and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC). The Block-III variant was prominently displayed, showcasing Pakistan’s growing footprint in global defense aviation.
The Dubai Airshow, held at Al Maktoum International Airport from November 17-21, is the Middle East’s largest aerospace and defense event, featuring daily flying displays and attracting international buyers and analysts.