Dubai: A chilling 20-second viral video has captured the final moments of the Indian Air Force’s Tejas fighter jet before it tragically crashed during an aerobatic display at Dubai Airshow on Friday, leaving the nation in shock and mourning the brave pilot.
The footage shows the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft roaring into the sky after takeoff, thrilling thousands of spectators with daring stunts and sharp manoeuvres for a full 20 seconds. Suddenly, the jet loses control mid-air, plummets nose-first towards the ground at Al Maktoum International Airport, and erupts in a massive fireball with thick black smoke rising high – triggering panic as onlookers clutch their heads in disbelief.
The IAF confirmed the pilot lost his life in the mishap, with a court of inquiry ordered to ascertain the cause. This was the proud ‘Made-in-India’ Tejas’s high-profile international showcase alongside the Suryakiran aerobatic team, turning into heartbreak on the airshow’s closing day.
As investigations begin, the haunting clip serves as a sharp reminder of the risks our air warriors take while pushing the limits to demonstrate India’s growing aerospace prowess.