[Epoch Times, November 21, 2025] (Epoch Times reporter Li Yan comprehensive report) On Friday (November 21), an Indian-made Tejas fighter jet crashed and turned into a fireball during a flight demonstration at the Dubai Airshow, killing the pilot on board. This is the second known crash of this aircraft type since its first test flight in 2001. The Indian Air Force announced that it has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.

Jignesh Variya, 46, was visiting the airshow with his family that day. He told Reuters that the fighter jet flew for only eight to nine minutes, completing two to three laps before diving and crashing.

"When it hit the ground, I saw three fireballs rise into the air," he said. "Everyone in the crowd stood up, and about 30 seconds later, emergency vehicles rushed to the crash site." ( Click here to watch the related video )

The Dubai government released photos of the emergency response team quickly clearing the scene and called the pilot's death a "tragedy."

Despite the incident, the Dubai Airshow, the world's third-largest aviation event, resumed flight performances in less than two hours after emergency responders cleared the site.

Indian-made fighter jets

The Tejas fighter jet, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is considered a key indigenous project for the Indian Air Force to replace its aging fleet of Russian-made MiG-21s and is an important symbol of India's efforts to modernize its fleet.

Francis Tusa, a UK-based defense analyst, told Reuters, "This is the first fighter jet designed entirely in India, rather than based on a foreign design."

He said, "We are currently working on the development of the 'Radiance' Mark II."

The Indian Air Force said in a statement: "An investigation committee is being established to determine the cause of the accident."

This fighter jet is powered by General Electric (GE) engines. This crash is the second known accident involving this aircraft since its first test flight in 2001. The first occurred during a domestic exercise in India in 2024, in which the pilot survived.

General Electric said in a statement that it is ready to support the investigation. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of the Indian Air Force's Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Airshow and extend our heartfelt condolences to the pilot's family." The Dubai government stated that an emergency response team is on site handling the situation.

Airshow accident

Airshow accidents were common in the 1970s, but have become rare at top aerospace events as safety restrictions have tightened in recent decades.

In 1999, a Su-30 fighter jet crashed while performing a similar maneuver at the Paris Air Show; ten years earlier, a MiG-29 also crashed during the same event. All crew members ejected safely.

In 2019, Britain took action to halt aerobatic displays during public days at the Farnborough Airshow after a vintage Hawker Hunter crashed at a small show on the south coast of England in 2015.

Editor in charge: Lin Yan #