Tejas fighter jet crashes in Dubai during air show; IAF confirms pilot dead

NEW DELHI: A Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, killing its pilot, the IAF confirmed. The HAL-built light combat aircraft went down around 2.10pm (local time) after nosediving mid-maneuver on the final day of the event at Al Maktoum International Airport.

The IAF said a court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident.

Also read: Multiple videos capture Tejas crash in Dubai
"An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief," the statement read.




Black smoke billowed over the airport as spectators, including women and children, looked on.


The Dubai Airshow is being held this year from November 17–21 at the DWC Dubai Airshow Site.

The government of Dubai confirmed the incident, stating that emergency teams were already on the scene.

"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 Government of Dubai Media Office said in a statement.


All about the Tejas fighter jet
The Tejas fighter jet is a 4.5-generation all-weather combat aircraft, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

HAL produces several variants of the aircraft, including single-seater fighters for both the Air Force and Navy, as well as twin-seater trainer versions for each service.

The jet measures 13.2 metres in length, with a wingspan of 8.2 metres and a height of 4.4 metres. Powered by the GE F404-IN20 engine, it delivers 85 kN of thrust and can reach speeds of Mach 1.6. It has a service ceiling of 50,000 feet, can withstand +8g to –3.5g, and comes equipped with nine hardpoints for weapons and equipment.
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