The crash happened around 2.10 p.m. (1010 GMT) after the plane performed a low roll, crashing in flames around 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from the show site. Crowds had gathered for the air show at the Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, in the United Arab Emirates. "A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today's flying display at the Dubai Airshow has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot," Dubai's state-run media office posted on X.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has garnered global scrutiny following India's military conflict with Pakistan in May. While Indian generals trumpeted the air force's role in targeting what New Delhi said was terror infrastructure in Pakistan, they also admitted "losses" during the clashes. This controversy has renewed the discussion on the systemic challenges plaguing the IAF for decades, such as outdated aircraft, shortage of pilots and lack of training resources combined with overdue deliveries and delayed defense deals.