An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed today during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow, killing the pilot. The incident occurred around 2:10 PM local time at Al Maktoum International Airport in the United Arab Emirates, creating a fireball and a large plume of smoke.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the pilot's death and stated that an investigation committee is being established to determine the cause of the incident.
Videos circulating on social media show the Tejas fighter jet climbing almost vertically just seconds before it lost control.
This marks the second accident involving an Indian Tejas fighter jet in less than two years. In 3/2024, a Tejas crashed in Jaisalmer city, Rajasthan, during a training flight, but the pilot successfully ejected.
The Tejas is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter aircraft manufactured by the Indian defense company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It is designed for air defense, offensive support, and close combat missions. The Tejas first underwent test flights in 2001.
Nhu Tam (According to India Today, NDTV)
