Dubai: An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerobatic stunt at the Dubai Airshow on Friday. The pilot was killed. The Indian Air Force confirmed the accident and announced an investigation committee to determine the cause.
The jet went down at 2:10 PM local time. A video surfaced days earlier showing fuel leaking from the aircraft’s tank during the same airshow. This marks the second Tejas crash in less than two years. A similar accident occurred in March 2024 in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Read more: Indian jet crashes at Dubai airshow
The crash triggered strong criticism on social media. Many Indian users demanded the resignation of the Air Force Chief. Citizens questioned pilot training, aircraft safety, and leadership oversight.
Social media users highlighted leadership concerns. Anushi Tiwari called the incident “a huge embarrassment” and urged immediate removal of the Air Force Chief. Tejaswi Prakash questioned if pilots receive proper training for aerobatic maneuvers.
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Critics also noted that the Air Force Chief’s public focus on entertainment appearances instead of technical preparedness reflects deeper systemic issues. The investigation will reveal causes and any lapses in safety or training.