The pilot died as the Indian fighter jet HAL Tejas crashed at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, confirmed the Indian Air Force (IAF).

“An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident,” said IAF.

The statement also said that, “IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.”

The IAF also announced the formation of a court of inquiry to ascertain the cause of the incident.

The crash happened around 2:10pm local time on Friday at Al Maktoum International Airport during the Dubai Air Show’s final day.

The Tejas fighter jet that crashed was manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

According to the sources, the oil leakage was the reason behind the crash.

India Today wrote that,* “HAL Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role light combat aircraft developed jointly by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the Indian Air Force. Its name, meaning “Radiance” in Sanskrit, was officially adopted in 2003.”

The Tejas is a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft, built to perform air-defence missions, offensive air support, and close-combat operations. It is noted for being one of the lightest and smallest fighters in its class.

A key feature of the jet is its Martin-Baker zero-zero ejection seat, designed to allow pilots to eject safely even at zero altitude and zero speed – such as during take-off, landing, or low-level manoeuvres.