A DSI on final day of Dubai Air Show 2025
The final day of the Dubai Air Show was marred by a major accident after an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter aircraft crashed into the ground while performing in an aerial display on Friday afternoon. The fighter, which was built by HAL, crashed at around 2:10 local time and burst into flames as horrified onlookers watched.
Videos circulating on social media showed the plane, as it seemed to lose control and crashed into the ground at Al Maktoum International Airport with a massive plume of thick black smoke. Families and plane spotters, as well as defense representatives, ran for their lives while emergency crews raced to the scene.
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A Showcase Becomes a Setback
India had sent a strong delegation to the Dubai Air Show, where it displayed its Tejas fighter and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team in an attempt to promote its aerospace capabilities among global customers.
The Dubai Air Show, one of the world’s biggest aviation events, typically boasts more than 100 air forces and acts as a key marketplace for both defense and commercial aviation deals. This year brought billion-dollar announcements from Emirates and FlyDubai as well.
The Tejas display had been designed as the centrepiece of India’s drive to increasing its defense exports. The crash instead loomed large over the last day of competition.
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Safety Record Back Under Scrutiny
The crash on Friday was only the second known accident involving the Tejas, since it entered service.
• March 2024, Rajasthan: The first crash happened during a training sortie near Jaisalmer. The pilot ejected safely. Subsequent investigations would later pin the failure on an engine seizure from oil pump troubles.
Tejas, which means “radiance” in Sanskrit, is hailed as the first home-made fighter aircraft. It has been touted as a promising export platform, with countries including Malaysia, Egypt and Argentina expressing interest in the past.
This most recent episode, however, is certain to rekindle talk about reliability, maintenance and decades-long operational safety.