Summary: India lost one of its finest aviators when the IAF’s Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow, killing Wing Commander Namansh Syal. The tragedy has raised difficult questions about the manoeuvre, altitude and engine response, even as India stands firmly behind the Tejas programme.
What Happened at the Dubai Airshow
On the final day of the Dubai Airshow, at 2:08 pm local time, the IAF’s Light Combat Aircraft Tejas went into a steep, uncontrolled descent and crashed near the runway at Al Maktoum International Airport. The aircraft burst into flames on impact.
The pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, could not survive the crash.
For a jet with only two crashes in 24 years, the incident sent shockwaves across India’s defence community, especially because Tejas was representing India at one of the most high-profile aviation events in the world.
Crystal clear capture of the final moments of Tejas before its unfortunate crash at Dubai Air Show.
byu/Electronic_Cause_796 inIndianDefense
Dubai Tejas Crash – Key Details
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Pilot | Wing Commander Namansh Syal |
| Aircraft | LCA Tejas (HAL-built) |
| Event | Dubai Airshow aerobatic display |
| Time of Crash | 21 November 2025, 2:08 pm local time |
| Suspected Factors | Low-altitude manoeuvre failure, engine flameout |
| Previous Tejas Incident | March 2024, Jaisalmer – pilot ejected safely |
| Tejas Crash Count | Only two in 24 years |
| Location | Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai |
The Final Seconds in the Sky
A barrel roll is a precision manoeuvre. The jet climbs, rolls inverted, rotates axially and exits smoothly with regained altitude.
But the Tejas, mid-way through the inverted segment, failed to recover its climb. It dropped sharply instead of exiting the roll and struck the ground.
Experts tracking the manoeuvre highlighted two likely concerns:
- Low altitude and speed: Airshows demand tight manoeuvres within restricted height margins. If the jet lacks energy during climb-out, recovery becomes nearly impossible.
- Possible engine flameout: Analysts noted this as a potential factor. A flameout during a vertical element of any manoeuvre leaves no room for correction.
This came a day after the Government of India dismissed rumours of an oil leak in the Tejas Mk1 at the same airshow.
Tejas Fighter Jet Crash in Dubai – Why It Matters
Tejas is not just a fighter jet. It represents decades of India’s perseverance in building an indigenous combat aircraft.
- Tejas Project launched: 1984
- Flight readiness: 2011
- First IAF induction: 2016
- Major deal: 83 Mk-1A jets worth ₹48,000 crore (2021)
- Additional approval: 97 more jets (2023)
With the MiG-21 fleet retired and squadron strength stretched, Tejas is central to India’s long-term air defence architecture.
A crash on global soil affects perception, diplomacy and confidence in indigenous defence technology.
But Tejas still remains one of the safest fighters in its class, with an exemplary flying record.
From its initial concept in 1984 to its induction in 2016, the Tejas project has been a long national journey.
IAF test pilots have been involved from design to testing, making Tejas a uniquely collaborative defence project.
It has now evolved into a frontline fighter, with upgraded variants, export interest and significant orders from the Indian military.
Official Response from the Indian Air Force (IAF)
HAL’s Response and Identity of the Pilot
HAL expressed deep grief, stating it was “deeply saddened by the loss of the courageous IAF pilot” and extended condolences to the family.
The Indian Air Force later confirmed the pilot’s identity as Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a decorated officer trusted with representing India on an international platform.
Impact on You
This incident will likely lead to:
- Stronger safety protocols for demonstration flights
- Reassessment of low-altitude display rules
- Detailed engine and systems audit
- Additional focus on indigenous engines to reduce dependency on imports
For citizens, it is a reminder that every aircraft in the sky carries years of testing, discipline and courage. And every loss is not just technical, but deeply human.
Samay Street FAQs
1. Who was the pilot of the crashed Tejas jet?
Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a highly trained IAF pilot.
2. What manoeuvre was being attempted?
A barrel roll, involving an inverted rotation before recovery.
3. Is this the first Tejas crash?
No. This is the second crash in 24 years. The previous incident involved a safe ejection.
4. Is engine failure a confirmed cause?
Not yet. A flameout is one of the possibilities being investigated.
5. Will this affect Tejas procurement?
Unlikely. The aircraft still has an exceptional safety record and remains critical to the Air Force’s future.
Samay’s Take
India lost a brave aviator. Tejas lost a comrade. And the nation lost a son who took the tricolour into the skies.
This setback must sharpen India’s resolve, not weaken it. Wing Commander Syal stood for excellence, courage and self-reliance. The best way to honour him is to strengthen the aircraft he believed in and push harder for safer, stronger, proudly Indian fighter jets.
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Sources
• Reports from Indian and international news agencies covering the Tejas fighter-jet crash during the Dubai Airshow.
• Coverage from defence-focused publications analysing the barrel-roll manoeuvre and potential technical causes.
• Updates from Indian media on the identification of Wing Commander Namansh Syal and official IAF communication.
• Reports referencing HAL’s public statement following the incident.
• Background information on the Tejas programme from defence ministry briefings and previous procurement announcements.
