The Dubai Airshow in the United Arab Emirates ended on a tragic note, with the fatal crash of a Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk 1 fighter, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The Tejas was performing a low-altitude maneuver as part of its display at Al Maktoum International Airport. The pilot appears to perform a negative-g ‘push turn’ toward the crowd before attempting to roll out. The jet then descended rapidly and impacted the ground at around 2:00 p.m. local time, in front of onlookers. The Indian Air Force confirmed that the pilot was killed.
The Dubai Airshow has been running all week and comes to a close today. Highlights of the show have included an appearance by the Russian T-50-9 as part of the effort to win customers for the Su-57E export version, as you can read more about here.
As regards today’s crash, in a statement, an Indian Air Force spokesperson said: “A Tejas of IAF has crashed in Dubai Airshow 25. Further details are being ascertained at the moment. Will give further details in some time.”
A follow-up statement from the Indian Air Force read: “The pilot sustained fatal injuries in 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 jet that crashed was a Full Operational Clearance (FOC) version of the Tejas Mk 1, 40 production examples of which were built. This number is divided equally between the more basic Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) version and the more capable FOC jets.
As you can read about here, the Mk 1A version of the jet is set to be built in considerably greater numbers than the initial Mk 1 version, bringing with it a host of new features.
The first Tejas Mk 1A took to the air in Bengaluru, southern India, in March 2024.
Compared to the Tejas Mk 1, the Mk 1A has some significant improvements that make it a much more realistic ‘generation 4.5’ fighter proposition.
The Mk 1A adds a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar (understood to be the Elta Systems EL/M-2052), updated avionics, a comprehensive electronic warfare capability, as well as more minor changes to the internal structure and outer mold line.
In 2021, India placed a contract for 73 single-seat and 10 twin-seat Tejas Mk 1A jets, with production planned to run through 2028.
Imagery of the ill-fated Tejas Mk 1 from earlier this week at the Dubai Airshow:
There has only been one previous Tejas crash, with a March 2024 incident involving a Mk 1 version of the aircraft in Jaisalmer, in the state of Rajasthan. This was blamed on an “engine seizure.” On that occasion, the pilot was able to eject.
This latest crash is a blow to the Indian aerospace industry, coming as it does on one of the world’s most prominent stages.
This is a developing story, and we will update it as more information becomes available.
Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com