An Indian Air Force pilot killed on Friday when the Tejas Jet Crashed at the Dubai airshow, according to the IAF.
“An IAF Tejas aircraft had an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. The IAF deeply regrets this loss and stands with the family during this tough time. A court of inquiry set up to determine the cause of the accident,” the IAF said.
Pilot killed when Tejas Jet Crashed at Dubai Airshow
Videos shared on social media showed the indigenous fighter jet hitting the ground and bursting into flames.
This incident occurred as the IAF prepares to introduce a new version of the aircraft, the LCA Mk-1A. This marks only the second recorded crash of an LCA.
Previously, a single-engine Tejas fighter jet crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on March 12, 2024, shortly after participating in a tri-services exercise that demonstrated India’s move toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The pilot safely ejected in that incident.
About Tejas Aircraft
The IAF inducted its first Tejas aircraft in July 2016 and currently operates two Mk-1 squadrons, each with 16 to 18 aircraft. Both aircraft involved in the crashes belonged to the Mk-1 fleet inducted under initial operational clearance (IOC) and the more advanced final operational clearance (FOC) configurations, which are the first versions of the LCA.
The biennial Dubai Air Show is currently taking place, marking the 40th anniversary of host carrier Emirates. The show has become an important event for the arms industry and aerospace companies. Major aircraft orders from both Emirates and its low-cost sister airline, FlyDubai, were announced. The Dubai Air Show started on November 17 and set to conclude on Friday, November 21, the day the Tejas Jet Crashed.
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