Tragic Plane Crash Claims Life of Indian Fighter Pilot at Dubai Airshow

Fri Nov 21 2025 15:51:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An Indian fighter jet pilot has tragically died following a crash during a performance at the Dubai Airshow. The incident has sparked an inquiry and drawn condolences from military officials.

A fighter jet belonging to the Indian Air Force crashed during a display at the Dubai Airshow, resulting in the death of the pilot. The incident occurred while the airshow was nearing its conclusion. In response, officials have pledged to investigate the causes of the accident, expressing sorrow for the loss.

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 stated: 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 Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd's Tejas jet crashed about 14:10 local time (10:10 GMT), according to the Associated Press.

Dubai's Media Office and the UAE Ministry of Defence reported that firefighters and emergency services have rapidly responded to the incident and are managing the situation on-site.

Video footage of the aftermath of the crash shows black smoke rising into the air.

India's Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anial Chauhan expressed that all ranks of the Indian Army deeply regret the incident and stand firmly with the pilot's bereaved family.

The Dubai Airshow 2025 has attracted over 148,000 attendees and exhibitors from 1,500 companies. The tragic crash occurred on the last day of the airshow, held at Al Maktoum International Airport.