An Indian Tejas fighter crashed into the ground while performing a demonstration at the Dubai air show, killing the pilot.
The accident occurred at about 2:10 p.m. (5:10 p.m. Hanoi time) today at the Dubai Air Show at Al Maktoum International Airport, United Arab Emirates. An Indian Tejas fighter crashed into the ground while performing a demonstration flight, creating a fireball and a large column of smoke rising.
“The pilot died in the accident. An investigation committee is being formed to determine the cause of the incident,” the Indian Air Force said.
Video on social networks shows the Tejas fighter flying almost vertically for a few seconds before losing control.
India’s Tejas fighter crashed into the ground while performing a demonstration at the Dubai air show. Video: X/Platypuss_10
This is the second time India’s light fighter Tejas has crashed in less than two years. In March 2024, a Tejas crashed in Jaisalmer city, Rajasthan state, during a training flight and the pilot was able to parachute to escape.
Tejas is a 4.5 generation multi-role fighter produced by Indian defense company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The aircraft is designed to perform air defense, attack support and close-range combat missions. Tejas first flew in 2001.