Key Highlights–
- Indian Tejas fighter jet crashes during Dubai Airshow display, killing the pilot.
- Eyewitnesses describe multiple fireballs and a rapid emergency response.
- Indian Air Force orders a court of inquiry; GE expresses condolences and support.
An Indian Tejas fighter jet plunged into the ground in a massive fireball during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, killing the pilot and stunning thousands of spectators. According to Reuters, the aircraft had been flying for barely eight to nine minutes before it abruptly nose-dived, sending a plume of black smoke billowing behind the fenced airstrip as emergency teams rushed in.
Spectators Watch in Shock as Tejas Fighter Jet Goes Down
Dubai’s government released images of firefighters dousing the burning wreckage as onlookers stood frozen in disbelief. The crash unfolded at around 2:15 pm local time (1015 GMT), turning what was meant to be a showcase of aviation prowess into the event’s darkest moment.
Eyewitnesses Describe Sudden Nose-Dive and “Three Fireballs”
Spectators said the performance had appeared routine until the jet suddenly dipped toward the ground. One attendee, Jignesh Variya, told Reuters that the fighter had completed two to three laps before spiraling downward. “I saw three different fireballs when it hit the ground,” he said, describing how the crowd rose to their feet as emergency vehicles raced to the site within seconds.
Footage shared online and by Dubai authorities showed a thick plume of black smoke rising from the crash zone as firefighters scrambled to contain the flames.
Second Known Crash for India’s Homegrown Jet
The fatal accident marks the second known crash involving the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), India’s homegrown fighter jet developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and powered by General Electric engines. The first incident occurred during an exercise in India in 2024, according to Reuters.
The Tejas, whose name means “brilliance” in Sanskrit, is a central pillar of India’s long-term effort to modernise its air force fleet, much of which still relies on ageing Russian and Soviet-era jets. India has been aggressively promoting the aircraft on the global stage, and the Dubai Airshow appearance was part of that strategy.
Indian Air Force Orders Court of Inquiry
The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed the crash and announced that a court of inquiry is being established to determine the cause of the crash. In an official statement, the IAF said investigators would examine both technical factors and operational circumstances surrounding the accident.
The crash occurred on the final day of the Dubai Airshow, considered the Middle East’s largest aviation event. Flying operations resumed later in the afternoon, witnesses told Reuters, with jets returning to the skies even as investigators isolated the debris zone.
GE Engines Expresses Shock, Offers Support
General Electric, whose engine powers the Tejas fighter jet, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and stated that it was ready to support the investigation. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of the Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Airshow and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the loved ones of the pilot,” according to a GE spokesperson.
Dubai’s government added that emergency teams were “managing the situation” on-site, with authorities expected to release further details after the completion of preliminary assessments.
