An Indian Tejas fighter plane crashed on Friday (21 November 2025) during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show. The pilot has died in this accident. The Air Force has confirmed the accident in a statement issued from its side.
#BREAKING Pilot dies in Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show@romanaisarkhan , https://t.co/smwhXUROiK#DubaiAirShow #Tejas #FighterJetCrash #ABPNews pic.twitter.com/jpte1YwOWl
— ABP News (@ABPNews) November 21, 2025
The Air Force said in its statement, ‘Today, an IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during the aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. The pilot suffered fatal injuries in the accident. The Air Force is deeply saddened by the loss of lives. She stands strongly with the victim’s family in this hour of grief. A court of inquiry is being formed to find out the cause of the accident.
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…
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 21, 2025
This is the first time that a Tejas pilot has died in an accident. Earlier also an accident had happened in 2024, but the pilot had ejected.
Accident happened during demo flight
The accident happened during a demo flight in the ongoing air show at Al Maktoum Airport in Dubai. As soon as the plane fell on the ground, it turned into a ball of fire. Only a plume of black smoke was visible in the sky. This is the second incident of crash of Tejas of Air Force. Earlier in 2024, Tejas aircraft had crashed due to engine failure during maneuvers in Pokaran, Rajasthan.
Dubai Airshow takes place every two years
Actually, aerospace companies from countries across the world were present in the Dubai Air Show. Planes are displayed in such shows. In this, companies showcase their new aircraft, helicopters, weapon systems and aerospace technology. Friday was the last day of this five-day show. This show started in 1989. It is organized every two years.

