New Delhi, Nov 21:
An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot. In a post on X, the IAF confirmed the incident, stating that the pilot suffered fatal injuries, and expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family. A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash.
The accident occurred during the biennial global aviation event, known for major industry announcements. This marks the second Tejas crash, the first occurring in March 2024 near Jaisalmer, where the pilot had safely ejected.
The LCA Tejas, a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter, is designed for offensive air support, close combat, ground attack, and maritime operations.
The air show also saw India and Germany revive high-tech defence collaboration, with HAL signing a notable pact with HENSOLDT to jointly develop a LiDAR-based Obstacle Avoidance System for military helicopters.
