A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Airshow on Friday afternoon when an Indian Tejas fighter jet, piloted by Wing Commander Namansh Syal, crashed during a display. The 34-year-old pilot, a highly skilled member of the Indian Air Force’s No. 45 Squadron, the Flying Daggers, could not eject in time and perished as the aircraft burst into flames. The event, which was meant to showcase India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), ended in shock and sorrow for spectators and the nation alike. This marks the second known Tejas accident but the first fatal one at an international airshow. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, confirmed Syal’s identity in a heartfelt post on X, describing him as a brave and courageous son of Kangra district. Syal’s family has a strong connection to the Indian Air Force, with his father being a retired officer and his wife currently serving as a senior officer. The Indian Air Force and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have expressed deep condolences, while Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas, mourned the loss of a ‘courageous pilot.’ A court of inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the crash. The incident has cast a shadow over India’s participation in the Dubai Airshow, where it has showcased its aerospace innovations for decades.
Who was Namansh Syal, Indian Tejas fighter jet pilot who died in Dubai Airshow crash?
