IAF Tejas Jet Crashes at Dubai Air Show; Pilot Wing Commander Syal Killed

A Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force has crashed in the Dubai Air Show in UAE today. According to the Indian Air Force, the incident has resulted in fatal injuries to the pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal. A Court of Inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident. IAF has regretted the loss of life saying that it stands firmly with the bereaved family.

The incident occurred when the fighter jet was participating in the air show. Indian Air Force Tejas aircraft was third in the sequence and was scheduled to begin its routine at 2.15 pm, but the display ended suddenly when the jet nosedived during a manoeuvre. Emergency crews reached the site within moments and continue to manage the situation. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to ascertain the cause of the accident.

This is the second ever crash involving the Tejas fighter jet. On March 2024, a Tejas fighter jet crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Following the crash, visitors were cleared from the area, and the outdoor exhibition zone was sealed off as a precaution. All aerial displays were paused for nearly two hours before the show gradually resumed.