Indian pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal died in a Tejas jet crash during a Dubai Air Show demo.

Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a 34- to 37-year-old Indian Air Force pilot from Himachal Pradesh, died in a crash of a Tejas fighter jet during an aerial demonstration at the Dubai Air Show. The aircraft, performing a low-altitude maneuver at Al Maktoum International Airport, lost control and crashed into the ground, bursting into flames. The Indian Air Force confirmed the pilot sustained fatal injuries and initiated a court of inquiry to investigate the cause. This marks the second Tejas crash in 20 months, following a non-fatal incident in March 2024. Officials, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, expressed deep sorrow, honoring Syal’s service and sacrifice.