Early this morning, an Indian Air Force HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed at 14:10 local time during an aerial demonstration at the Dubai Airshow, resulting in the death of the pilot.
The accident occurred while the aircraft was performing several maneuvers in front of a crowd; after the impact, a thick column of black smoke rose from the crash site at Al Maktoum International Airport.
Indian authorities have announced the creation of an investigation committee to determine the causes of the accident. This is the second major Tejas crash, the first occurred in 2024 during a military exercise, which once again raises questions about the safety of this aircraft model.
What is the significance of the HAL Tejas for India’s military aviation?
The Tejas is an indigenously manufactured light combat aircraft that represents an important step in India’s plans to modernize its air fleet. Its modern design and strategic role make it a key asset, but incidents like this one could spark controversy over its reliability.
