An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot was killed on Friday when a Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1) crashed during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow. The fatal accident occurred during a routine manoeuvre, with visuals on social media showing the aircraft descending sharply before erupting into flames on impact.
In a statement, the IAF said: “An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the 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.”
The crash comes as the IAF prepares to induct the upgraded LCA Mk-1A, an advanced variant of India’s indigenous fighter. The Tejas fleet has recorded only one previous accident, when a jet went down near Jaisalmer in March 2024 after a tri-services exercise; the pilot in that case ejected safely.
The IAF currently operates two squadrons of the Tejas Mk-1, comprising both IOC and FOC variants. The latest incident is expected to trigger a detailed technical review of the aircraft’s display protocols and performance during high-intensity demonstrations.
