A HAL Tejas fighter jet, performing at the Dubai Airshow 2025, crashed on Friday afternoon during an aerial demonstration, sending shockwaves across the venue and raising serious safety concerns. According to reports, the aircraft went down around 2:10 pm local time at Al Maktoum International Airport while executing a display routine before thousands of spectators.
Witnesses described seeing the Tejas jet suddenly lose balance mid-maneuver before plummeting towards the far end of the airfield. Thick black smoke rose moments after the impact, prompting panic among families, aviation enthusiasts, and children who had gathered to watch the final day of the show.
Initial reports from Associated Press (AP) suggest that it “crashed while performing an aerial display before a large crowd.” Turkish defense outlet SavunmaSanayiST later reported that the same aircraft had been observed with a fuel leak a day earlier, though this has not yet been officially confirmed by the Indian Air Force or HAL.
One of the most concerning aspects emerging from the现场 eyewitness accounts is that the pilot appeared not to have ejected before impact. Multiple spectators told local media that there were “no signs of the pilot ejecting” moments before the crash, raising fears about the extent of damage and the fate of the pilot. However, no official confirmation regarding the pilot’s condition has been released yet.
Authorities quickly sealed off the crash site, and emergency teams rushed to the area. Investigations are underway by Dubai civil aviation authorities, and HAL is expected to release an official statement shortly.
This crash marks one of the most serious incidents involving the Tejas aircraft on an international stage. Further details—including the cause of the crash, technical findings, and pilot status—are expected to emerge as the day progresses.
