On November 21, 2025, during the final day of the Dubai Air Show at Al Maktoum International Airport, an Indian Air Force Tejas Mk1 fighter jet crashed while performing a complex aerobatic maneuver, resulting in the tragic death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal. Reports indicate that the aircraft lost stability following a low-altitude negative-G turn or roll, leaving insufficient altitude for recovery or ejection. Firefighters responded rapidly as the jet engulfed in flames approximately 1.6 km from the exhibition area. The IAF expressed deep regret over the loss and has launched a court of inquiry to investigate the exact cause, examining flight data and pilot actions. This incident marks the second crash in the two-decade history of the Tejas program, which remains significant to India’s defense modernization and export ambitions. The investigation aims to clarify whether the crash was due to technical failure, human error, or other factors, amidst heightened strategic sensitivities around indigenous military aviation. The air show resumed after emergency clearance, underscoring the resilience of India’s defense diplomacy