Dubai, November 21, 2025 – A tragic accident occurred at the Dubai Airshow when an Indian Air Force HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerobatic demonstration at Al Maktoum International Airport. The pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, sustained fatal injuries.
The incident unfolded just after 2pm local time, as the Tejas was performing a low-altitude maneuver before rapidly descending and erupting in flames. Emergency crews responded immediately, and the airshow was temporarily halted before resuming later in the afternoon.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the loss and announced that a court of inquiry will investigate the cause of the crash. This marks the second recorded accident involving the Tejas program, which has been a cornerstone of India’s efforts to modernize its air fleet and showcase indigenous aerospace capabilities.
The Dubai Airshow, one of the world’s largest aviation exhibitions, drew more than 150,000 visitors this year. The tragedy has cast a somber shadow over the event and raised questions about India’s export ambitions for the Tejas, particularly as regional competitors continue to highlight their own platforms.