**Incident Overview**
On October 20, 2023, an Indian fighter jet, the HAL Tejas, crashed during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show, which was taking place at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The crash resulted in the death of the sole pilot on board.
**Crash Details**
The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, causing a significant fireball and thick black smoke to rise into the sky. Emergency responders, including police vehicles, ambulances, and a helicopter, quickly arrived on the scene to manage the situation and extinguish the fire with firefighting foam.
**Witness Reactions**
Spectators at the air show, including families gathered in a grandstand, expressed horror and disbelief as they witnessed the airplane losing control and crashing to the ground.
**Official Response**
The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed the crash and stated that the pilot had sustained fatal injuries. An official statement expressed deep regret over the loss of life and announced the formation of a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. Emirati crash investigators were also set to conduct their own investigation.
**Air Show Continuation**
Despite the tragedy, the air show resumed flight demonstrations approximately an hour and a half later, with teams, such as the Russian Knights, taking to the skies while emergency crews continued to work at the crash site.
**Background on the HAL Tejas**
The Tejas is a lightweight, single-engine fighter aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India. This aircraft is part of efforts to enhance India’s military capabilities, especially in light of China’s increasing military presence in South Asia.
**Contracts and Delays**
In September 2023, India’s Defense Ministry signed a contract with HAL for the procurement of 97 Tejas jets, with deliveries expected to start in 2027. Prior to this, in 2021, an agreement was made for 83 Tejas aircraft, although those deliveries have faced delays primarily due to shortages in engines imported from the United States.
**Social Media Claims**
On the day before the crash, India’s Press Information Bureau addressed false claims circulating on social media about a potential oil leak from a Tejas aircraft during the air show. The military clarified that any observed liquid was a normal procedure for draining condensate from aircraft operating in humid conditions, typical of Dubai.
**Historical Note**
In a related incident, a Tejas fighter jet crashed in Rajasthan, India, the previous year; however, in that case, the pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft.
**Reporting**
This report includes contributions from Saaliq, who reported from New Delhi.
