Tejas crash reason: What happened when the Made-in-India fighter jet crashed for the first time in 2024

In a tragic development at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during a performance, resulting in the death of its pilot.

Confirming the incident on X, the IAF stated: “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.”

The Air Force also noted that a court of inquiry will investigate the exact cause of the crash.


The mishap took place at the biennial Dubai Air Show, one of the most significant global aviation showcases, often used to unveil major aerospace and defence announcements.



This marks the second crash involving a Tejas aircraft. The first incident occurred in March 2024 near Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, where the pilot managed to eject safely. Later news wire agency ANI reported that the crash was likely triggered by engine seizure caused by an oil pump malfunction in the single-engine fighter.

What is LCA Tejas?

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is a 4.5-generation, all-weather, multi-role fighter jet designed and developed in India. It is engineered for a wide spectrum of missions including offensive air support, close-range engagements, ground attack operations, and maritime missions.

India’s push to showcase Tejas at the Dubai Air Show coincided with a renewed defence partnership between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and German firm HENSOLDT. On November 19, both sides signed a pivotal agreement to co-develop a LiDAR-based Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS) for Indian military helicopters — a significant revival of advanced technology collaboration after nearly three decades.

The breakthrough project has drawn considerable attention from global aerospace industries, underscoring India’s growing influence in defence innovation.