An Indian Air Force pilot died in a Tejas jet crash at the Dubai Air Show 2025, triggering an investigation and scrutiny of India’s defense program.

A tragic crash during the Dubai Air Show 2025 killed an Indian Air Force pilot when a Tejas fighter jet crashed shortly after takeoff, bursting into flames at Al Maktoum International Airport. The Indian Air Force confirmed the pilot’s death and launched a court of inquiry to investigate the cause, with possible factors including mechanical failure, pilot error, or technical issues like oil leakage. The incident, the second Tejas crash in under two years, has raised concerns about the aircraft’s reliability and India’s defense manufacturing program, prompting market drops for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and renewed scrutiny of procurement practices. The airshow was temporarily halted, and officials, including Prime Minister Modi and opposition leaders, expressed condolences.