Tejas Fighter Jet Crash at Dubai Air Show: Nation Mourns Pilot’s Death

Tejas Crash: Rajnath Singh ‘Anguished’ by Pilot’s Death, Says Nation Stands with Family

New Delhi, November 21, 2025: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep anguish on Friday over the death of an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot following the crash of a Tejas fighter jet during the Dubai Air Show 2025. Paying tribute to the officer, Singh said the entire nation stands with the pilot’s family in this tragic hour.

“Deeply anguished at the loss of a brave and courageous IAF pilot during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show,” the Defence Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter). “My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The nation stands firmly with the family in this tragic hour.”

Earlier, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan also expressed grief over the pilot’s death. In a statement, he affirmed that the Indian Armed Forces stand firmly with the bereaved family.

“General Anil Chauhan, CDS, and all ranks of the Indian Armed Forces deeply regret the incident in which an IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident,” the statement read.

Tejas Crash During Dubai Air Show

The Tejas, an indigenous 4.5-generation multi-role aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), crashed at the Al Maktoum Airbase on Friday. Several videos circulating on social media show the aircraft losing altitude before hitting the ground.

In response, the IAF expressed its grief on X, stating it has ordered a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. “IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief. A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the statement said.

Condolences from Political Leaders and Veterans

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, offered his condolences to the pilot’s family. “Deeply saddened by the loss of our brave IAF pilot in the Tejas crash at the Dubai Air Show. My heartfelt condolences to his family. The nation stands with them, honouring his courage and service,” he said.

General (retd) VK Singh, former Army Chief and Mizoram Governor, also expressed sorrow. “I am deeply saddened by the Tejas crash in Dubai. We have lost a dedicated pilot in the line of duty. My sincere condolences to the pilot’s family and the Indian Air Force,” he said.