An aircraft of the Indian Air Force, the Tejas fighter jet, crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon. The pilot was fatally injured in the incident.

Thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site near the airport, causing panic among onlookers, including families and children gathered for the event.

The Indian Air Force confirmed the accident and stated that a court of inquiry has been formed to determine the cause. The service expressed deep regret over the loss of life and extended condolences to the pilot’s family.

Emergency and firefighting teams in the United Arab Emirates responded بسرعة to the crash site and secured the area.

The Tejas aircraft is an indigenously developed, multi-role 4.5-generation fighter designed for offensive air support, close combat, and ground-attack missions.