The nation was shaken on Thursday when Wing Commander Namansh Syal of the Indian Air Force (IAF) lost his life after a Tejas Mark-1 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) crashed during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Air Show 2025. The crash occurred at around 2:10 pm local time near Al Maktoum International Airport, sending up plumes of black smoke and forcing the air show to halt.

Wing Commander Syal, a native of Patialkadh village in Nagrota Bagwan, Kangra, was performing a high-skill manoeuvre—a routine yet demanding part of aerobatic displays—when the aircraft lost control. His death is a grave loss not just for Himachal Pradesh but for the entire Indian Air Force.

This marks the second Tejas crash in 19 months, the last being in March 2023 near Jaisalmer during a tri-services exercise.

About the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)

The HAL Tejas is India’s indigenous, single-engine, multi-role, 4.5-generation light combat aircraft. It was developed under the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Programme, which was conceived in the late 1980s to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet.

• Designed by: Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO
• Manufactured by: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
• First technology demonstrator flight: 2001
• Inducted into IAF: 2016
• India’s second indigenous fighter aircraft after HF-24 Marut

Role and Capabilities

Tejas is capable of:

• Aerial interception
• Air-to-surface and precision strikes
• Anti-shipping operations
• Close combat missions

It is equipped with a modern weapons suite including Astra and I-Derby ER BVR missiles, and short-range missiles such as Python-5, R-73, and ASRAAM. Tejas also features an aerial refuelling capability.

Technical Features

Lightest and smallest in its class of contemporary supersonic fighters

Built using aluminium-lithium alloys, titanium, and carbon-fibre composites

About 45% composite content by weight and 90% by surface area

Powered by a GE F404-GE-IN20 engine

Delta-wing design with a single vertical fin

Variants: Tejas Mk-1, Mk-1A, and trainer version

Tejas and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative

“The Tejas programme is a major pillar of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It reduces India’s dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthens the indigenous ecosystem of avionics, composites, electronics, and flight-control systems.”

The programme has enabled the growth of:

• Domestic aerospace R&D
• Indigenous manufacturing of advanced materials
• Indian private-sector participation in defence production

It also supports India’s long-term plans for the Tejas Mk-2, AMCA, and TEDBF projects.

A Tribute to Wing Commander Namansh Syal

The loss of Wing Commander Syal is irreparable. A highly trained pilot, he represented:

• India’s aviation excellence
• The courage and skill of the Indian Air Force
• The pride of Himachal Pradesh

His dedication to showcasing the capabilities of India’s indigenous fighter aircraft on a global stage is a reminder of the sacrifices made by defence personnel.

Conclusion

The Tejas crash at the Dubai Air Show 2025 is a sombre moment for the nation. As India mourns the loss of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, it must also reaffirm its commitment to building world-class indigenous defence platforms. The Tejas remains a symbol of India’s technological ambition, strategic autonomy, and national pride. Strengthening this programme is the best tribute we can offer to the brave pilot who lost his life in its service.