Dubai (HRNW)– In a major setback for the Indian Air Force and a significant embarrassment at an international platform, an Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show. According to international media reports, the aircraft went down while performing aerobatic maneuvers, leaving the pilot with no chance to eject safely.
Eyewitnesses stated that the Tejas jet was executing a sharp aerial maneuver when it suddenly descended at high speed towards the ground. The aircraft crashed near the runway, erupting into flames moments after impact.
The spokesperson for the Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed the accident and the death of the pilot, identified by Indian journalists as Wing Commander Vikram Singh. Preliminary investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.
Foreign media reported that since its induction into the Indian Air Force in 2015, this marks the second major crash involving the Tejas fighter jet. The earlier incident occurred in Rajasthan during a training mission.
Following the crash in Dubai, the air show was temporarily suspended as emergency teams responded. The incident not only raised concerns about the aircraft’s safety but also triggered a financial hit: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)—the manufacturer of the Tejas—saw its shares fall by 2.62% shortly after the news broke.
Reports also suggest that the aircraft had been displaying technical issues, including an oil leak that had already gone viral on social media, raising questions over why it was permitted to participate in such a high-profile international event.
The crash is being widely discussed as another blow to India’s defense credibility, especially at a global aviation stage.
