Indian Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes at Dubai Airshow Following Refuted Oil Leak Reports

In a tragic development at the Dubai Airshow, an Indian Air Force (IAF) LCA Tejas Mk1 fighter jet crashed during an aerial display on Friday, resulting in the death of its pilot. The accident occurred on the final day of the biennial aviation event at Al Maktoum International Airport, sending shockwaves through the defense and aviation communities.

The IAF confirmed the incident in an official statement, saying, “An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show today. 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 crash came just one day after India’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-check unit had debunked circulating social media claims about the same aircraft model experiencing technical problems at the airshow. On November 20, the PIB addressed videos allegedly showing an “oil leakage” from a Tejas aircraft, declaring these claims to be false.

“Several propaganda accounts are circulating videos claiming that at the Dubai Airshow 2025, the Indian LCA Tejas Mk1 suffered oil leakage. These claims are fake,” the PIB stated. The government fact-checking body clarified that the footage actually showed “routine, intentional draining of condensed water from the aircraft’s Environmental Control System (ECS) and On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS),” describing it as standard procedure in humid conditions like those in Dubai.

The PIB characterized the narrative as “deliberately pushed” to undermine the jet’s reliability and urged the public to verify information before sharing it. This timing has led to speculation among some observers, with social media posts questioning whether sabotage could have played a role in the crash, though no evidence supports such claims.

Aviation experts and officials have called for patience, emphasizing the importance of awaiting the results of the court of inquiry before drawing conclusions about the cause of the crash.

This marks only the second crash of a Tejas aircraft in its 24-year operational history. The first incident occurred in March 2024 during a training sortie in Rajasthan, where both pilots ejected safely. Aviation expert Anantha Krishnan M highlighted this safety record on social media, noting it was the “first crash in 23 years for Tejas since its maiden flight.”

The Tejas had been a centerpiece of India’s participation at the Dubai Airshow, performing high-maneuverability displays to showcase the country’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. The aircraft, designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), represents a significant achievement in India’s push toward self-reliance in defense technology.

Classified as a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter, the Tejas was developed to replace India’s aging fleet of MiG-21 fighters. Since its induction into IAF service in 2016, the platform has gained increasing importance in India’s air defense strategy. The IAF has recently placed orders for upgraded Mk1A variants, demonstrating its confidence in the platform despite this setback.

The crash comes at a critical time for India’s defense export ambitions. The country has been actively promoting the Tejas in international markets as part of its broader strategy to establish itself as a significant defense equipment exporter. Several nations, including Argentina, Malaysia, and Egypt, have expressed interest in the fighter jet.

As investigators begin their work to determine the cause of the crash, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with military aviation, even during demonstration flights. The IAF’s inquiry will likely examine all aspects of the aircraft’s systems, maintenance history, and the circumstances of the flight to determine what led to this rare but tragic accident.