Emergency services at the site of the crash of the Indian Air Force Tejas Light Combat Aircraft at the Dubai Airshow 2025 on Friday | Photo: Dubai Media Office
An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) crashed during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, resulting in the death of the pilot, the IAF confirmed. The incident occurred at around 2:10 pm local time at Al Maktoum International Airport in the United Arab Emirates.
“An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Airshow, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident,” the IAF said in a statement. “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.”
On Friday evening, the Indian Air Force identified the pilot as Wing Commander Namansh Syal.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on social media, “Deeply anguished at the loss of a brave and courageous IAF pilot during an aerial display in Dubai Airshow. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The nation stands firmly with the family in this tragic hour.”
The aircraft, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), crashed while performing a manoeuvre in front of a large audience. HAL issued a statement, saying, “HAL is deeply saddened by the loss of the courageous IAF pilot during the aerial display at the Dubai Airshow. HAL expresses its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.”
A court of inquiry has been ordered by the IAF to investigate the cause of the crash. The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed emergency services responded quickly to the incident.
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