Wing Commander Afshan Syal tearfully bid a final farewell to her husband, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who tragically perished in a Tejas fighter jet crash during the Dubai Air Show. His mortal remains arrived at their ancestral village, Patialkar, in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, where Afshan rendered her last salute. The fatal incident occurred on November 21, 2025, when the HAL-designed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft lost control and caught fire during a low-altitude aerial display. The 34-year-old officer, a decorated pilot known for his athletic prowess and exemplary service record, was stationed at the Hyderabad airbase. He is survived by his wife Afshan, also an Indian Air Force officer, their young daughter Aarya, and his parents. The Indian Air Force lauded him as a “dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional” who served with “unwavering commitment and exceptional skill.” His sacrifice during the air show will forever inspire, as stated by the Southern Air Command. The IAF acknowledged his dignified persona, respected by colleagues and UAE officials alike, and stands in solidarity with his grieving family, honoring his legacy of courage and devotion. The village of Patialkar mourned the loss of their “gem,” recalling his achievements with pride. Leaders, including Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, paid homage to the “brave son of India taken far too soon.”
