A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Air Show on Friday when an Indian fighter jet crashed, resulting in the death of the pilot, officials confirmed.

Videos shared widely on social media captured the horrifying moment an IAF Tejas aircraft erupted into flames upon impact with the ground, shocking spectators at the event.

The Indian Air Force expressed their sorrow on X, stating, “The pilot suffered fatal injuries in the accident.” They also mentioned that an investigation is ongoing to uncover the cause of the crash. “IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the statement continued.

The Dubai Media Office echoed the tragic news, noting, “A Tejas fighter aircraft from India, part of today’s flying display at the Dubai Air Show, has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot.” They also highlighted the swift response by firefighting and emergency teams who are currently managing the situation at the site.

Emergency services were on the scene following the crash of the Indian Tejas fighter jet during its demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, which took place at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Friday, November 21, 2025. (Dubai Media Office via AP)

An SUV with diplomatic plates and the Indian flag was observed at the crash site, where police and emergency personnel were actively responding.

The air show later resumed flight demonstrations, with the Russian Knights aerobatics team flying overhead as emergency crews still worked the crash site, the Associated Press reported. 

Tejas is India’s indigenous fighter aircraft, built by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Smoke billows following a crash of an Indian Tejas fighter jet, after it lost altitude and crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show in this screengrab obtained from an eyewitness video.  (Jignesh Variya/Reuters)

The lightweight, single-engine jet is expected to bolster India’s depleted fighter fleet as China expands its military presence in South Asia, including by strengthening defense ties with India’s rival Pakistan, according to the AP. 

In September, India’s Defense Ministry signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, or HAL, to procure 97 Tejas jets for the air force. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.

The Indian fighter jet is seen flying during a demonstration moments before crashing at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.  (Jon Gambrell/AP)

A Tejas fighter jet crashed in the western Indian state of Rajasthan last year, but the pilot ejected safely in that incident.