Indian HAL Tejas combat aircraft crashed today during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show, according to multiple sources. The incident occurred around 2:10 p.m. local time over the show’s venue at Al Maktoum International Airport, prompting smoke and emergency sirens as the crowd watched in shock.
What Happened Details of the Crash
Eyewitnesses and video footage show the Tejas losing control mid-air before crashing, creating a plume of black smoke visible across the airshow grounds. The pilot’s fate remains unclear; reports have not yet confirmed whether an ejection was successful, and an official statement from the Indian Air Force is still awaited.
Previous Controversies and Misinformation
The crash comes amid recent controversy over claims that the Tejas suffered an oil leak during the same air show. The Indian government strongly denied these allegations and clarified that the observation involved routine drainage of condensed water from the aircraft’s Environmental Control System (ECS) not oil.
This crash raises serious concerns about the safety and reliability of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, especially as it seeks to showcase its capabilities on a global stage. The Tejas program has been a source of national pride, but incidents like this could impact its reputation and export prospects.
