This is the second crash of the LCA Tejas, with the first one in 2024 blamed on an ‘engine seizure.’
An Indian Air Force LCA Tejas crashed at the ongoing Dubai Air Show on Nov. 21, 2025, at around 2 pm local time. According to videos and witnesses, the jet was performing a low-altitude vertical maneuver during an aerobatic display.
Several videos captured the crash from different angles, showing the impact of the aircraft on the ground which resulted in a massive explosion. The videos also did not show an ejection, suggesting the pilot was still inside the aircraft.
The IAF initially circulated a statement to journalists covering the beat confirming the incident, saying it was still gathering information. “A Tejas of IAF has crashed in Dubai Air Show-25. Further details are being ascertained at the moment. Will give further details in some time,” the Air Force spokesperson said.
More Visuals 🇮🇳🚨
An Indian Tejas fighter jet has crashed during a display at the Dubai Air Show. Awaiting info on pilot.
Video 📷 pic.twitter.com/q3DNMWDXfm
— Globally Pop (@GloballyPop) November 21, 2025
The service later notified the passing of the pilot. “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. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief. A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident.”
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.
IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.
A court of inquiry is being…
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 21, 2025
LCA Tejas history and Dubai Air Show
This is the second crash of the Tejas. The first one took place on Mar. 12, 2024 in Jaisalmer, in the western desert Indian state of Rajasthan, with a report in July that year citing an “engine seizure” as the cause. The jet a LCA Tejas Mk.1 variant, of which the IAF operates two squadrons, with in total around roughly 40 jets.
As regards the current crash, an investigation is being launched into the causes. As mentioned earlier, the aircraft was performing a maneuver at low altitude.
-Tejas performs sharp turn maneuvers at Dubai Air Show. It performed on all days for 8 mins/day.
-In contrast, Pakistani JF-17 are benched since 3 days.
SO….to save their illegitimate father’s reputation, Piddis are now spreading rumors that Tejas Mk1 suffered oil leakage.… pic.twitter.com/fyFNJEtAiS
— BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) November 20, 2025
The Dubai Air Show, which opened on Nov. 17, saw the Tejas successfully performing stunning aerobatic maneuvers on all days, enthralling the crowds. However, just a day prior to the crash, videos and images emerged of the jet parked on the tarmac and showing what some sources claimed was leaking fuel, being collected in a plastic shopping bag.
Tejas performs sharp turn manoeuvres at Dubai Air Show. On this day it did not make it to 8 minutes.pic.twitter.com/DIqJFIHmMH
— Chewy (@Chewy9991) November 21, 2025
This sparked criticism of poor workmanship and shoddy quality control. However, subsequent fact checks by other sources corrected that claim, saying it was condensed water being collected, which is a standard practice.
We will update this report as more information becomes available.
