21 November,2025 09:39 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Television footage of the incident showed the aircraft losing altitude before hitting the ground. Pic/PTI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday expressed his deep sorrow over the death of an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot, who died in the Tejas jet crash in Dubai.
The pilot, Naman Syal, sustained fatal injuries when a Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show.
In a post on X, Rajnath Singh offered his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and said the nation stands firmly with them in this tragic hour.
Earlier, the IAF confirmed that a Tejas fighter jet crashed during the demonstration, resulting in the pilot's death.
Television footage of the incident showed the aircraft losing altitude before hitting the ground and bursting into flames, leaving spectators visibly shocked as smoke rose from the crash site.
The IAF released a statement expressing deep regret over the loss and reaffirmed its support for the bereaved family. "A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident," the Indian Air Force said in a statement on its X handle.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) of Himachal Pradesh expressed deep sorrow over the death of Naman Syal, a brave and courageous IAF pilot from Kangra district, who died in the Tejas fighter jet crash at the Dubai Air Show. The CMO extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, describing the loss as tragic and heartbreaking for the nation.
The Dubai Air Show, held biennially in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), features both flying and static displays, showcasing aircraft and defence technology from across the world.
The accident occurred at Al Maktoum International Airport around 2:10 pm local time on the final day of the show.
"A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today's flying display at the Dubai Airshow has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot. Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site," a statement from the official account of the Government of Dubai Media Office said.
The plane went down shortly after take-off while performing an aerial display in front of a large crowd. Eyewitnesses reported seeing plumes of black smoke rising from the aircraft, and emergency teams, including helicopters and firefighters, rushed to the scene. The show was temporarily halted, and visitors were directed back to the exhibition area.
In an official statement, the Chief of Defence Staff said, "The General Anil Chauhan, CDS and all ranks of Indian Armed Forces deeply regret the incident in which an IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. We deeply regret the loss of life and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief."
