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India’s defense and aviation industry faced a setback when its domestically developed Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet crashed during an aerial performance at the Dubai Airshow 2025 on Friday. The aircraft, a light combat jet, took off from HAL Nashik, India, on October 17, 2025. Tragically, the pilot lost his life in this fatal incident, prompting the Indian Air Force to order a formal investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
In a statement released on the official X account, the IAF expressed its condolences, stating, “The Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of life and stands in solidarity with the grieving family during this difficult time.” The Tejas Mk-1A, which was involved in the accident, is India’s first Indigenous fighter aircraft, with its first flight having occurred in January 2001, according to AFP reports.
The development of a homegrown fighter aircraft concept began in the 1970s, with actual project work commencing in the 1980s. However, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned enterprise tasked with the project, has faced years of criticism over delays and cost overruns. After overcoming many obstacles, the first two Tejas fighters were finally delivered to the Indian Air Force in 2016.
This story is ongoing and will be updated as more details become available.
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