Following the devastating accident of a TEJAS fighter jet at the Dubai Air Show on November 21, 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) released a statement expressing profound sadness.
At Al Maktoum International Airport, the native Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), built by HAL, was performing an aerial show when it suddenly nosedived and crashed close to the runway, engulfing the aircraft in flames.
Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a highly skilled pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF), died as a result of the event after suffering serious injuries. HAL acknowledged the pilot’s bravery and service and sent its deepest sympathies to the grieving family.
This was the second accident involving a TEJAS aircraft in 20 months. Fortunately, the pilot was able to safely eject from the earlier disaster, which happened in March 2024 close to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. But this time, the pilot and the aircraft went missing.
The Indian Air Force and Defence Ministry have conveyed their sincere condolences on Wing Commander Syal’s passing and their support for his family.
According to preliminary indications, the aircraft most likely lost stability while performing a difficult aerobatic manoeuvre at low altitude without enough height to recover. The IAF has established a court of investigation to look into the cause of the disaster.
Launched in 1984, the TEJAS program sought to upgrade India’s air fleet by developing an indigenous multi-role fighter jet. The aircraft was accepted into the IAF in 2016 after being deemed fit for flight in 2011.
In February 2021, the Indian government inked a major agreement worth ₹48,000 crore with HAL to purchase 83 TEJAS MK-1A aircraft. In November 2023, an additional 97 aircraft were approved.
The program, which is still a crucial part of India’s defence modernisation strategy, has been clouded by the Dubai Air Show catastrophe. Although Dubai’s emergency services arrived at the scene of the incident quickly, the pilot’s tragic injuries highlighted the dangers associated with such aerial exhibitions.
The TEJAS rapidly lost altitude during its move and crashed in front of spectators seated at the air show, according to visuals from the crash.
The nation and the defence community were deeply shocked and saddened by the pilot’s passing, and public figures and officials expressed their condolences.
Until comprehensive results are made public, the study will concentrate on flight data, maintenance records, and eyewitness accounts to identify the reason and any contributing circumstances. The