Dubai: An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed on Friday during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, creating a plume of black smoke over the Al Maktoum International Airport. The incident took place around 2:10 pm local time.
Initial reports from the Associated Press said it remains uncertain whether the pilot managed to eject before the aircraft went down. Emergency teams rushed to the site shortly after the crash, though official details regarding casualties or injuries have not yet been released.
The crash marks only the second accident involving a Tejas aircraft since its induction. The first occurred in 2024 near Jaisalmer, making this latest incident a significant setback during an international showcase for India’s indigenous fighter jet program.
Authorities in Dubai are assessing the cause of the crash, while the Indian Air Force is expected to coordinate with local officials as part of the investigation.