Fighter jet Tejas crashes during Dubai Air Show, pilot killed in the accident
Tejas Fighter Jet Crash: An Indian HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show. The incident, which occurred around 2:10 p.m., sent a plume of black smoke billowing over the airport. Spectators, including women and children, were stunned by the crash.
Staff Editor 
A major accident occurred at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon when a Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flight demonstration. A plume of black smoke was seen rising over Al Maktoum International Airport immediately after the accident.
According to eyewitnesses and video, the accident occurred around 2:10 p.m. local time. The Tejas is a single-seat light combat aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
What is the pilot's condition?
News agency Reuters, quoting the Dubai Media Office, reported that a pilot has died in the crash of an Indian jet at the Dubai Air Show. The Dubai Air Show is one of the world's largest aviation events, and several major aircraft deals worth billions of dollars have been signed this week.
This incident marks the second Tejas-related accident in two years. The previous major accident occurred in March 2024 in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, marking its first major accident since its first test flight in 2001. The pilot ejected safely in that incident.
Tejas' Specialties and Safety Features
Tejas is a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft designed for air defense, strike missions, and close combat. It is also known for its lightweight and compact design.
A key feature of this aircraft is its Martin-Baker zero-zero ejection seat. This seat allows the pilot to safely eject at zero speed and zero altitude, such as during takeoff, landing, or low-level flight. It features a special system that quickly ejects the pilot by inflating the canopy and opening the parachute to safely descend.
