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An Indian HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed on Friday during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Airshow, killing its sole pilot.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the crash on social media, which was captured on video by witnesses.
"IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief," the service said in a statement. The air force is setting up a court of inquiry to determine what caused the crash.
The light combat aircraft went down at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) at Dubai World Central, erupting into a massive fireball and thick black smoke.
The crash happened on the last day of the air show, which began Nov. 17. Spectators were seated in the grandstand for the final day as the jet appeared to lose control and plunge to the ground.
Dubai's government said emergency crews responded immediately to the scene, covering the wreckage with firefighting foam.
"The Dubai Airshow Organizing Committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the Indian Air Force pilot who lost his life in today's aircraft crash," a statement on the Dubai Government's X account read. "The committee also conveys its deepest sympathies to the Indian Air Force."
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates will also conduct their own investigation into the incident. Flight demonstrations resumed about 30 minutes after the crash, according to the Associated Press.
This is only the second crash of a Tejas aircraft, according to the Indian Express. A Tejas MK1 aircraft crashed in March 2024 during a training flight. The pilot ejected safely.
The HAL Tejas is a single-engine, fourth-generation, multirole light fighter designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency in collaboration with Aircraft Research and Design Centre of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. The aircraft can travel at a maximum speed of 2,205 km/hr (Mach 1.8) for the FOC version and 2,000 km/hr (Mach 1.6) for the IOC version.