New Delhi, Nov 21: A Tejas fighter jet crashed on Friday afternoon during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, sending a plume of dense black smoke over Al Maktoum International Airport. The pilot was killed in the accident, the Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed.

“An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of life and stands with the bereaved family in this time of grief. A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident,” the IAF said in an official statement.

The incident took place during the biennial Dubai Air Show, one of the world’s premier aviation exhibitions, which has witnessed several major announcements this week, including multi-billion-dollar aircraft deals by Emirates and FlyDubai.

The Tejas, a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft, is designed for air-defence missions, offensive air support, and close-combat operations. It is widely recognized as one of the lightest and most compact fighters in its category.