Tejas Tragedy at Dubai Airshow 2025: What Went Wrong, What’s Next

The sky above Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai was supposed to be a stage for pride showcasing India’s homegrown Tejas fighter jet in all its agility and grace. On November 21, 2025, that stage turned tragic. The Tejas, flying as part of a demonstration, went into a sharp dive and exploded in a fireball. Tragically, Wing Commander Namansh Syal lost his life.

What Happened

It was the final day of the Dubai Airshow and the Tejas took off for an aerobatic performance. Eyewitnesses say the aircraft was performing complex manoeuvres including loops and rolls, and then something went wrong during a low altitude turn. Reports suggest that during a negative G turn the jet lost control and failed to recover in time.

Video footage from the event shows the jet rapidly losing altitude before crashing into the ground, bursting into flames, and sending up thick black smoke. Rescue crews rushed in, fire services responded, but the pilot could not be saved.

Who Was the Pilot

The pilot has been identified as Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a 37-year-old officer from Himachal Pradesh. He was experienced and respected in the Indian Air Force. His death has left a deep void in the military community and beyond. The IAF has expressed condolences and initiated a formal inquiry to figure out what exactly went wrong.

Possible Causes

Since the investigation is still underway, nothing is confirmed yet. But early analysis points to a few possible factors.

Low Altitude Aerobatics
The manoeuvre before the crash was reportedly a negative G turn. That kind of maneuver at low height is very risky. When something goes wrong at such altitudes, there is very little time to react and recover.

Technical or Mechanical Issue
Investigators will be looking at flight data, engine logs, control systems and more. A power loss or control failure could be among the possible causes.

Pilot Situational Challenge
Negative G moves can disorient even very trained pilots. In a split second, especially during a highspeed roll or dive, a pilot’s spatial awareness can be compromised making recovery far harder.

Environmental Factors
There is some chatter about humidity and other weather-related effects. Other subtle factors like moisture in aircraft systems might also play a role, though nothing is confirmed.

Why This Crash Matters

This incident is more than just an aviation accident. The Tejas is a symbol of India’s aerospace ambition, an indigenous fighter jet made by HAL. Losing a jet and more tragically, a pilot —during a public demonstration is a serious blow.

There are several layers to this loss. On one level there is national pride and defence diplomacy. The Dubai Airshow is a global platform for aerospace exports. A successful demonstration could have boosted India’s defence credibility. On another level there is the question of safety and pilot training. How much risk is acceptable during aerobatic performances? There is also the future of the Tejas programme to think about: how this crash could affect orders, exports, or the design of next-generation jets.

What Comes Next

First and foremost, there is the inquiry. The IAF has started a formal investigation to determine exactly what caused the crash. Both Indian and UAE authorities are expected to cooperate, given the location and significance of the event.

Investigators will analyse flight recorders, maintenance logs, and powerplant data. The goal is not just to find the cause but to learn and improve so such a tragedy does not repeat.

There will almost certainly be a review and possible revision of safety protocols for demonstration flights. High-risk manoeuvres may be limited, or pilots may undergo even more rigorous training before being allowed to perform.

At the same time, there will be support for the pilot’s family. Grief and remembrance are deeply human, and the IAF and government will likely honour Wing Commander Syal’s memory.

Longer term, the Tejas programme may face changes. Depending on what the inquiry reveals there could be design tweaks, stricter safety checks, or changes in how export-grade aircraft are pitched to international buyers.

A Moment to Reflect

In the blink of an eye what was meant to be a grand aerial display turned into a scene of devastation. For those watching it unfold, this is a painful reminder that aerospace is not just about machines or manoeuvres it is about people. Pilots like Namansh Syal trust their lives to their training and their aircraft.

This crash calls for humility and patience. It demands a thorough, transparent investigation but also respect and remembrance for a courageous pilot who gave everything. The Tejas programme will go on, but this event has left a permanent mark. The skies will demand answers and a nation watches on, hoping lessons are learned so something like this never happens again.