DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — An Indian fighter jet crashed Friday during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show, killing its sole pilot.
The HAL Tejas aircraft crashed at the start of its routine at Al Maktoum International Airport, part of Dubai World Central. The impact caused a large fireball and sent thick black smoke into the sky. Emergency responders, including police, ambulances, and a helicopter, rushed to the scene and used firefighting foam to extinguish the blaze.
Spectators, including families gathered in the grandstand for the air show, witnessed the jet lose control and dive directly toward the ground.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the crash, stating that the pilot sustained fatal injuries. “IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the statement read. A court of inquiry will be set up to determine the cause of the accident. Emirati crash investigators will also take part in the investigation.
The Dubai Air Show, held biennially at the city-state’s second airport, had seen major aircraft orders this year from Emirates and FlyDubai. Flight demonstrations resumed about half an hour after the crash, with the Russian Knights performing overhead while emergency crews worked at the site.
The HAL Tejas is India’s indigenous fighter jet, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The single-engine, lightweight aircraft is intended to strengthen India’s fighter fleet as China expands its military presence in South Asia.
In September, India’s Defense Ministry signed a contract with HAL to procure 97 Tejas jets for the Air Force, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. A previous deal in 2021 for 83 Tejas aircraft experienced delays due to engine shortages that must be imported from the United States.
On Thursday, India’s Press Information Bureau denied social media claims alleging a Tejas jet had an oil leak at the air show, calling them “false” and intended to undermine the aircraft’s reliability. Military officials explained that videos showing liquid dripping from the jet were simply the routine draining of condensed water, a standard procedure in humid conditions like Dubai.
Dubai has experienced high humidity and fog over the last two days. Last year, a Tejas fighter crashed in Rajasthan, India, but the pilot ejected safely.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
