During the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon, an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet participating in a demonstration experienced a crash. The incident caused widespread alarm among spectators as dark black smoke erupted near the runway, creating a tense and alarming scene.
As per the Indian media, the jet was being flown by Wing Commander Vikram Singh, who died in the accident.
Videos circulating online show the aircraft descending sharply before impact, with a thick plume of black smoke rising from the crash site. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as families, children, and aviation enthusiasts scrambled for safety amid emergency sirens and the spreading smoke.
“Oil leakage” was a REAL ISSUE, LCA Tejas has crashed at the Dubai Air Show 2025 🚨 pic.twitter.com/FPkzWM83BX
— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) November 21, 2025
Rescue operations were immediately launched, and the show was temporarily halted as authorities responded to the incident.
Authorities have yet to confirm casualties or the pilot’s condition, and an official statement from the Indian Air Force is awaited. Emergency teams are working to contain the fire and secure the site. This crash marks only the second known accident involving a Tejas fighter jet, with the first occurring in 2024 near Jaisalmer.
The Tejas is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter aircraft developed by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), designed for offensive and defensive missions including air support, ground attack, and maritime operations.
The latest variants feature advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and digital displays aimed at enhancing survivability and operational capabilities.
Despite the incident, the Dubai Airshow continues with adjusted schedules as investigators assess the situation.
Further details are expected once investigations are complete. The event, which kicked off on November 17 and runs until November 24, remains one of the world’s premier aerospace exhibitions, showcasing over 1,500 exhibitors from across the globe.
