ISLAMABAD: An Indian fighter jet crashed during a flying display at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, killing the pilot, a government statement said.
The warplane executed a low roll before crashing in flames about 1.6 kilometres from the show site, an eyewitness told AFP.
"A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today's flying display at the Dubai Airshow has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot," Dubai's state-run media office posted on X.
Videos circulating on social media showed the aircraft going down at speed and bursting into a ball of flames on impact as onlookers watched in shock. A plume of smoke billowed from the crash site as emergency vehicles sped towards it.
The incident happened on the last day of the Middle East's biggest airshow, which features a flying display each afternoon.
Hundreds of people were watching from a grandstand, while the apron was packed with planes, helicopters and other hardware on static display.
The Indian Air Force announced an inquiry into the accident. "IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief," a statement said.
It is believed to be the first crash in the history of the airshow, which dates back to 1986.
Chronic issues with Tejas program
The HAL Tejas light combat aircraft program has been beset by a series of chronic issues since its inception. It has faced prolonged delays, safety concerns, and quality issues. Its development alone took over three decades, with delays caused by supply chain disruptions, reliance on foreign engines like GE F404, and technical problems highlighted by accidents and safety incidents.
The Indian government and auditors have criticized HAL for poor manufacturing quality, incomplete features and failure to meet deadline. It also faces organizational inefficiencies, slow decision-making, and dependency on foreign suppliers, which has hampered production and delivery.
Oil leak controversy precedes crash
Earlier in the week, a video circulated online showing ground crew placing a shopping bag beneath a Tejas aircraft to collect dripping fluid. Critics seized on the footage to question the fighter jet's reliability. it also triggered widespread mocking about Tejas's reliability across social media.
Indian air force officials maintained that the aircraft continued its scheduled flight displays without technical malfunctions related to the alleged leak. Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of Defence and the Press Information Bureau subsequently issued official statements claiming the oil leak was a "false propaganda." Officials identified the fluid as water condensation, which they described as normal in humid conditions.
Indian airforce officers spotted at Pakistani pavilion
In a separate incident that generated widespread social media discussion, photos and videos showed Indian air force and navy officers visiting the Pakistan air force pavilion at the airshow.
The images captured uniformed Indian personnel examining Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jet on static display, taking photographs and engaging with Pakistani air force personnel about the aircraft's technical specifications and capabilities.
Pakistani personnel reportedly offered the Indian delegation tea, a gesture observers noted carried symbolic weight following the 2019 Balakot incident. After Indian air force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistan following the Balakot airstrikes that year, Pakistani officials famously offered him tea, footage of which became widely circulated.
Several local news outlets in India and Pakistan reported the Indian officers at the Dubai airshow politely declined the tea, opting for water instead.
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