Dubai, November 21, 2025 — An Indian-made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), crashed during a high-profile demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show on Thursday. The aircraft went down while attempting a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver, slamming into the ground and erupting into flames moments later.
Eyewitness videos from the venue show the Tejas executing a sharp turn before losing control. No ejection was observed, and emergency response teams were dispatched immediately. Initial reports confirm that the pilot did not survive the crash.
The Tejas was participating in the air show to highlight India’s growing defense manufacturing capabilities and to attract potential international buyers. This marks the first major crash of a Tejas aircraft at an international aviation event, a setback for India’s ongoing efforts to boost defense exports.
Officials from both India and the United Arab Emirates have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash, including possible technical failures, pilot error, or external factors.
The Dubai Air Show — one of the world’s most influential defense and aerospace exhibitions — temporarily halted flight demonstrations following the incident as safety protocols were enforced.
