An IAF HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed at the Dubai Airshow 2025 during a high speed maneuver, with the pilot ejecting safely. The incident occurring days after an oil leak controversy has intensified criticism of the Tejas programme and India’s airshow preparedness.
DUBAI — November 18, 2025:
A major incident shook the Dubai Airshow on Tuesday after an Indian Air Force (IAF) HAL Tejas light combat aircraft crashed during an aerobatic performance, prompting immediate scrutiny of the aircraft’s reliability and the IAF’s operational professionalism.
The single-engine Tejas — showcased as the centerpiece of India’s indigenous fighter jet ambitions went down moments after executing a high G turn. Emergency crews responded within seconds, and initial reports confirm the pilot safely ejected. No civilian injuries were reported.
Eyewitnesses Report “Technical Irregularity” Moments Before Crash
Spectators and aviation analysts at the venue reported unusual engine noise and instability seconds before the aircraft lost control. While the Indian Air Force has not released an official statement, experts say the crash raises new concerns about Tejas’ performance record, especially after the recent controversy surrounding an oil-leak incident involving another Tejas display aircraft earlier in the week.
Tejas: India’s Indigenous Fighter Under Scrutiny
The HAL Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), is India’s flagship home-grown fighter jet under the “Make in India” defence production campaign. The multirole LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) is designed for air defence, interception, and ground-attack operations, but the programme has been plagued by delays, design challenges, and safety concerns since its inception.
The Dubai Airshow crash marks one of the most high profile setbacks for the Tejas programme on an international stage.
Criticism Mounts Over IAF’s Display Preparedness
Aviation observers, defence journalists, and regional analysts have described the incident as “deeply embarrassing” for India, noting that international airshows are meant to showcase reliability — not highlight vulnerabilities.
Some analysts suggested the mishap “reflects gaps in IAF’s technical preparedness and pre-flight oversight,” especially given the proximity to the earlier oil-leak controversy.
UAE Officials Authorities Launch Investigation
UAE authorities have ordered a technical inquiry into the crash. HAL and ADA engineers at the event are said to be reviewing flight telemetry, maintenance logs, and engine performance data.
The Dubai Airshow management has temporarily suspended all Indian Air Force aerial demonstrations pending investigation.
Regional Reactions
The incident has sparked immediate comparisons with other regional air forces showcased at the event — particularly Pakistan and China — whose aircraft have maintained spotless safety records during demonstrations.
Defence commentators in South Asia say the crash may further intensify debates around India’s indigenous fighter capabilities and reliability, especially as the Tejas programme faces stiff competition from more advanced platforms in the region.
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