Tejas Mk-1, an indigenously built light combat aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. (Representational AI Generated Image)
Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes: An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday (November 21), killing the pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal. The aircraft burst into flames after hitting the ground around 2 pm local time at Al Maktoum International Airport, leaving spectators in shock as the jet descended sharply before impact.
The Tejas Mk-1, an indigenously built light combat aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), was performing a low-level aerobatic manoeuvre when it suddenly went into a steep dive. Videos from the scene indicate that Wing Commander Syal attempted to eject, but did not have enough altitude to escape safely. The 37-year-old pilot, originally from Himachal Pradesh, was declared dead at the crash site.
The Indian Air Force expressed deep grief over the loss and extended condolences to the officer’s family. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident. This is the second reported crash involving a Tejas aircraft, after a March 2024 incident near Jaisalmer, in which the pilot had ejected safely.
Emergency teams in Dubai responded swiftly, with firefighting units dousing the flames within minutes. The Dubai Media Office called the incident “tragic” and said the situation was brought under control quickly. Airshow activities resumed less than two hours later at the biennial event, which has drawn nearly 1.5 lakh visitors this year.
Condolences poured in following the news of Wing Commander Syal’s death. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to the officer’s courage and service. HAL also issued a statement mourning the loss.
The Tejas programme is a key part of India’s efforts to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing. While the crash has cast a shadow over the air show, the ongoing inquiry is expected to shed light on any technical or operational issues that led to the tragedy.
