Tragic Crash Claims Life of Indian Pilot at Dubai Airshow

Fri Nov 21 2025 15:37:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An Indian pilot tragically lost his life in a fighter jet crash during a display at the Dubai Airshow 2025. A court of inquiry is set to investigate the cause of the accident.

A fighter jet piloted by an Indian pilot crashed during the Dubai Airshow, resulting in the pilot's death. The Indian Air Force expressed deep condolences and announced a court inquiry to determine the cause of the crash that occurred around 14:10 local time. Emergency services promptly responded to manage the situation. The incident unfolded on the last day of the event, which had drawn a large international audience.

A pilot has died after an Indian fighter jet crashed while performing a display at an airshow in Dubai, officials have said.

The Indian Air Force said in a statement: IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.

A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident.

The Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd's Tejas jet crashed about 14:10 local time (10:10 GMT), according to the Associated Press.

Dubai's Media Office and the UAE Ministry of Defence have said firefighters and emergency services have responded rapidly to the incident and are managing the situation on-site.

Video footage of the aftermath of the crash shows black smoke rising into the air.

India's Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan said in a statement that all ranks of the Indian Army deeply regret the incident and stand firmly with the pilot's bereaved family.

The Dubai Airshow 2025, attended by over 148,000 individuals and exhibitors from 1,500 companies, took place at Al Maktoum International Airport, with the fatal crash occurring on its final day.