Tragedy struck the Dubai Air Show 2025 on Friday when an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration. The incident, which occurred around 2:10 PM local time, has cast a shadow over India’s indigenous defense manufacturing efforts. Tragically, the pilot was unable to eject and lost their life in the accident. The IAF has not yet released an official statement regarding the cause of the crash, though videos circulating on social media show plumes of black smoke emanating from the airfield. The Tejas, a key component of India’s ‘atmanirbhar’ (self-reliance) initiative in defense, was performing at this prestigious international aerospace exhibition. The Dubai Air Show, a biennial event established in 1986, serves as a global platform for showcasing advanced aviation technology and fostering military and business collaborations. This year’s show features participation from over 100 air forces and a wide array of aircraft, including F-16s, F-22 Raptors, and Eurofighter Typhoons, alongside India’s Tejas.
