In a shocking development, an Indian Air Force fighter jet Tejas crashed at Dubai Air Show on Friday. As per reports, Tejas crash occurred during a demo flight at the ongoing air show at Al Maktoum Airport. It is reported that the accident occurred on Friday at 2:10 pm Dubai time and 3:40 pm Indian time.
It is currently unclear whether the Tejas pilot was able to eject during the accident. The plane caught fire as it fell, and a plume of black smoke was seen over the airport.
Following the accident, the Indian Air Force has set up a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the fighter jet crash.
Dubai Media Office issued an official statement in which it confirmed that pilot who was flying Tejas died in the incident. The official statement reads, "A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today’s flying display at the Dubai Airshow has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot. Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site."
The crash occurred during the biennial Dubai Air Show, one of the world's largest aviation exhibitions. The event has seen major announcements this week.
Notably, this is the second crash involving a Tejas aircraft, the first one being in 2024 near Jaisalmer.
In March 2024, a Tejas fighter went down in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, the first such accident in the aircraft's 23-year history since its maiden test flight in 2001. The pilot ejected safely in that case.
LCA Tejas is a 4.5-generation, all-weather and multi-role fighter aircraft. The aircraft is designed to be a multi-role aircraft capable of taking up offensive air support, close combat and ground attack roles at ease.
It is also designed to undertake ground maritime operations.
At the Dubai Air Show, India and Germany, on November 19, revived high-technology defence collaboration after nearly three decades, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signing a landmark contract with German state-backed sensor major HENSOLDT.
The pact, finalised on Day 3 of the event, focuses on the joint development of a cutting-edge LiDAR-based Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS) for Indian military helicopters. This breakthrough has already generated significant buzz across global aerospace circles.
The deal for this LiDAR-based Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS), signed by Indian DPSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and German government-backed HENSOLDT, marks a significant return to high-technology cooperation after earlier partnerships in aerospace and maritime programmes.
With Inputs: IANS
