It was a steep fall and it was a matter of moments before the Tejas fighter jet crashed during an air show at the Dubai Air Show on Friday. Video of the crash, which quickly went viral on social media, shows the jet exploding in a massive fireball as it plummets, billowing smoke.
Authorities sounded the sirens after the IAF plane crashed. According to Dubai state media, the pilot operating the warplane was killed in the crash.
When did the Tejas plane crash?
The Indian Tejas aircraft, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), crashed at around 14:10 local time on Friday.
Eyewitnesses told AFP the warplane made a low bank before bursting into flames on crash – about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from the parade site.
“A Tejas fighter jet from India, which was participating in an air show at the Dubai Airshow today, crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot,” the Dubai State Media Authority said on X.
What caused the Tejas jet crash?
The Tejas aircraft appeared to have lost control and plunged towards the ground just before it crashed in the airport compound, an AFP report said.
After confirming the crash, the IAF said in a statement that a court of inquiry was being set up to find out the cause of the accident.
“The IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family at this time of grief,” it said in a statement, adding that “a court of inquiry is being set up to determine the cause of the accident.”
What is HAL Tejas jet – Key points you should know
- The Tejas is India’s indigenous fighter aircraft jointly developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the IAF.
- The light Tejas is a single-seat, single-engine fighter aircraft. The Indian Air Force and Navy also operate a two-seat trainer variant of the aircraft.
- It is a 4.5 generation multipurpose fighter aircraft designed to provide offensive air support.
- 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.
Dubai Airshow
Dubai’s second airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, hosted the Dubai Air Show every two years. The air show saw large aircraft orders from both long-haul carrier Emirates and its lower-cost sister airline FlyDubai.
