In a tragic incident that has shocked the aviation community, an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, resulting in the death of the pilot. The aircraft went up in flames during the performance, marking a somber moment at the prestigious international aviation event.
Defence Minister's Heartfelt Condolences
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed profound grief over the incident through a social media post. The minister described himself as deeply anguished at the loss of what he called a brave and courageous IAF pilot during the aerial demonstration. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and emphasized that the entire nation stands firmly with them during this tragic hour.
In his official statement on platform X, Singh wrote: Deeply anguished at the loss of a brave and courageous IAF pilot during an aerial display in Dubai Air Show. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The nation stands firmly with the family in this tragic hour.
IAF Constitutes Court of Inquiry
The Indian Air Force officially acknowledged the accident and confirmed the pilot's fatal injuries in an official statement. The IAF announced it is constituting a court of inquiry to determine the exact cause of the accident that occurred during what should have been a routine aerial demonstration.
An Air Force spokesperson stated: An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief. A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident.
Military Leadership Expresses Solidarity
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan joined the Defence Minister in expressing deep regret over the tragic incident. The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff released an official statement conveying that all ranks of the Indian Armed Forces stand in solidarity with the bereaved family during this difficult time.
The official statement from HQ IDS read: General Anil Chauhan, CDS and all ranks of Indian Armed Forces deeply regret the incident in which an IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. We deeply regret the loss of life and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.
The Tejas aircraft, India's indigenous light combat aircraft, has been a significant achievement for the country's aerospace capabilities and has been participating in international air shows to showcase Indian technological prowess. This tragic incident marks one of the rare accidents involving the Tejas platform during its demonstration flights.
