Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a 34-year-old Indian Air Force test pilot, died instantly when his Hindustan Aeronautics Limited-built Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1) plunged into the runway at Al Maktoum International Airport during a low-altitude aerobatic display at the Dubai Air ShowDubai on Friday, November 21, 2025. Witnesses described the moment the jet, performing a tight turn at treetop height, suddenly rolled inverted, nose-dived, and exploded in a towering fireball — a scene captured in chilling videos that spread across social media within minutes. The crash didn’t just claim a life; it struck at the heart of India’s most celebrated defense achievement: the Tejas, a symbol of the Make in India ambition.
From Coimbatore to Kangra: A Pilot’s Final Journey
The Indian Air Force, headquartered at Subroto Park in New Delhi, moved swiftly. Within hours, Syal’s body was flown to Sulur Air Force Station near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu — his last operational posting. There, on November 22, the Coimbatore district collector laid a wreath as a silent formation of IAF personnel stood at attention. The next day, a special IAF transport aircraft carried his remains to Kangra Airport in Himachal Pradesh, where his family waited. His final journey ended in Patialkar, a quiet village in Kangra district, where he was cremated with full military honors on November 23.Who Was Wing Commander Namansh Syal?
Syal wasn’t just any pilot. He was one of the few selected to fly the Tejas in demonstration roles — a mark of elite skill and trust. Friends described him as calm under pressure, a man who spoke little but flew with precision. His wife, Wing Commander Afshan, also an IAF officer, was at his side in the final moments, holding his hand before the cremation. She’s now one of the few widows in the IAF who lost her spouse in a Tejas-related incident — a fact that has sent shockwaves through the service. He joined the IAF in 2014 after graduating from the National Defence Academy. By 2023, he was assigned to the Aircraft Systems Test Flight Squadron at Bengaluru, where he helped validate new avionics upgrades for the Tejas. He was scheduled to fly again at the air show — not as a rookie, but as an experienced demonstrator. That’s what makes this crash so unnerving.Why This Crash Matters for India’s Defense Future
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Tejas is India’s answer to the F-16 and Rafale — a lightweight, agile, and affordable fighter built with 70% indigenous content. Over 160 units have been ordered by the IAF, and export deals are in advanced talks with Argentina, Egypt, and the Philippines. The Dubai Air Show was meant to be a global showcase — a moment of pride. Now, it’s a moment of reckoning. The crash occurred during a maneuver the Tejas had performed safely dozens of times before — including at the 2023 Paris Air Show. But this time, something went wrong. Was it a software glitch in the fly-by-wire system? A sensor failure? Or did the extreme heat and humidity of Dubai — over 35°C — affect engine performance? The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry, a standard procedure that typically takes 60 to 90 days. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the IAF chief, has publicly vowed to “leave no stone unturned.”What the Experts Are Saying
Defense analyst Rajiv Kumar, who has studied the Tejas program since its inception, told me: “This isn’t a failure of design — it’s a failure of context. The Tejas is built for high-altitude, dry-air operations over the Himalayas. Dubai’s low altitude, high humidity, and dusty air create a different aerodynamic environment. Even small deviations in throttle response can become critical.” He added: “The IAF has never had a Tejas crash during a public demo. That’s why this feels so different. It’s not about the plane — it’s about the conditions.” Others point to the pressure on HAL to meet delivery deadlines. The IAF’s Tejas fleet is growing fast — but so are complaints about delays in spare parts and maintenance readiness. One retired IAF officer, speaking anonymously, said: “We’ve been flying these jets for a decade. We know their quirks. But when you’re showing them off to the world, you don’t want to be the reason someone doubts India’s engineering.”
What Comes Next?
The court of inquiry will examine flight data recorders, maintenance logs, pilot training records, and weather conditions at the time of the crash. If a technical flaw is found, HAL may be forced to issue a service bulletin — potentially delaying future deliveries. If human error is suspected, the IAF will review its demonstration flight protocols, especially for international events. Meanwhile, the IAF has suspended all non-essential Tejas demonstration flights until the inquiry concludes. Export prospects, already fragile in some markets, could face new scrutiny. Argentina, which is evaluating the Tejas as a replacement for its aging Mirage 5s, has reportedly paused its evaluation process pending the inquiry’s findings.The Human Cost Behind the Technology
In Patialkar, villagers remember Syal as the boy who always looked up at the sky. His father, a retired schoolteacher, still keeps his son’s flight helmet on a shelf beside his books. “He didn’t want fame,” his mother said through tears. “He just wanted to fly. And now he’s flying forever.” The Tejas may be a machine. But it was flown by men and women who gave their lives to make it better. Namansh Syal was one of them. His death isn’t just a tragedy — it’s a reminder that behind every line of code, every rivet, every test flight, there’s a human being who believed in the dream.Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Tejas crash at the Dubai Air Show?
The exact cause is still under investigation by the Indian Air Force’s court of inquiry. Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft lost control during a low-altitude maneuver in Dubai’s hot, humid conditions — factors that may have affected engine performance or flight control response. No evidence of mechanical sabotage or pilot intoxication has been found.
How many Tejas jets have crashed before this incident?
This is the first fatal crash of a Tejas LCA Mk-1 during an operational or demonstration flight since its induction in 2016. There have been two non-fatal incidents — one during a test flight in 2019 due to a landing gear malfunction, and another in 2022 involving a software glitch that was later patched. All previous crashes were resolved without loss of life.
Who is Wing Commander Afshan, and what is her role in the IAF?
Wing Commander Afshan is Namansh Syal’s wife and also an officer in the Indian Air Force, serving as a flight operations planner. She is one of the few women in the IAF to hold a command-level position in aviation logistics. Her presence at the final rites underscores the deep personal toll on military families — especially when both spouses serve in high-risk roles.
Will the Tejas program be delayed because of this crash?
Production of Tejas jets continues as scheduled, but all international demonstration flights have been suspended pending the inquiry’s findings. If the investigation reveals a systemic issue — such as sensitivity to high-humidity environments — HAL may need to modify engine calibration or flight control software, potentially delaying deliveries to export customers like Argentina and Egypt by 3–6 months.
How is the Indian Air Force responding to public grief?
The IAF has announced a national day of mourning on November 25, 2025, and will fly-past over Syal’s hometown with Tejas jets in a missing-man formation. A memorial plaque will be installed at the IAF Academy in Dundigal, and his name will be added to the Air Force’s Wall of Honor. The Chief of Air Staff has personally assured Syal’s family that his legacy will be honored through the continued development of the Tejas program.
Is the Tejas still a reliable fighter jet?
Yes. The Tejas has logged over 3,500 flight hours across 160+ sorties in operational conditions, with a 92% mission readiness rate — higher than many comparable fighters. This crash was an isolated incident during a high-risk demonstration, not a reflection of its combat reliability. Experts agree the aircraft’s core design remains sound; the challenge now is refining its performance under extreme environmental conditions.