An Indian Air Force’s Tejas fighter jet crashed and erupted into a fireball in Dubai. It was taking part in a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show Friday afternoon. A video captured the fatal moment, showing the aircraft in a steep descent before going beyond the camera’s line of sight. A ball of fire is then seen followed by thick black smoke.
The HAL-made plane went down around 2:10 pm local time while performing an aerial display before a large crowd.
The Indian Air Force acknowledged the crash and said the pilot was killed in the incident. An IAF spokesperson said: “An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. 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.”
Thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site near the airport, prompting panic among onlookers, including families with children who had gathered to watch the show.
A Tejas plane taking part in a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show crashed on Friday afternoon (November 21). The HAL made plane went down around pm local time while performing an aerial display before a large crowd.
Thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site near… pic.twitter.com/0VosEYIGQt
— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) November 21, 2025
Authorities have yet to release further details as emergency teams rushed to the scene.
