On the afternoon of Friday, November 21, 2025, tragedy struck during the Dubai Air Show when an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed while performing an aerial display before thousands of spectators at Al Maktoum International Airport. The skilled pilot behind the controls was Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a 34-year-old officer who lost his life in this devastating accident. The incident has sent shockwaves throughout India and the global defense community, as well as deeply affecting the small Himachal Pradesh village from which the brave pilot hailed.
Wing Commander Namansh Syal was a distinguished and highly skilled display pilot belonging to the IAF’s No. 45 Squadron, famously known as the ‘Flying Daggers’, based at Sulur Air Base. He had earned widespread acclaim for his exceptional flying abilities, having mesmerized audiences at prestigious events such as Aero India and various national airshows across India. His performances showcased the prowess of India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jet, an aircraft developed under the country’s light combat aircraft program. Syal’s dedication to aviation was deeply rooted in his family’s legacy, as his father, Jagarnath Syal, is a retired IAF officer who later served as an education principal. Aviation was more than a profession for Namansh—it was his destiny.
Born in Patialkadh village in the Nagrota Bagwan tehsil of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, Wing Commander Syal was known not only for his expertise in the cockpit but also for his humility and dedication as a family man. He is survived by his wife, a senior officer in the Indian Air Force, their six-year-old daughter, and his grieving parents. The news of his passing has left his hometown and family in profound sorrow, with relatives and villagers mourning the loss of what many called a humble and courageous son of the nation.
The tragic crash unfolded around 2:10 pm local time as Wing Commander Syal executed aerobatic maneuvers during the airshow. Eyewitnesses at the venue were stunned as the Tejas jet suddenly lost altitude. British visitor Will Gilmore recounted the harrowing moment, describing how the aircraft appeared upside down and the pilot seemed to be attempting to correct the position. However, before anyone could fully grasp the situation, the jet plummeted to the ground, erupting in a massive fireball that shocked thousands of onlookers.
Videos circulated widely on social media, showing the fighter jet’s rapid descent followed by a fiery explosion. Despite immediate emergency responses, Wing Commander Syal could not be saved. The Indian Air Force swiftly ordered a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident, aiming to understand the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
This tragic event marks the second recorded incident involving the Tejas fighter jet. The first crash occurred in March 2024 near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, during a training exercise, but in that instance, the pilot managed to safely eject. Unfortunately, this was the first fatal crash involving the Tejas at an international air show, highlighting the inherent risks faced by display pilots who perform complex aerial stunts to demonstrate their aircraft’s capabilities.
The news of Wing Commander Syal’s death struck hardest at home. His father, Jagarnath Syal, was reportedly searching on YouTube to find videos of his son’s performance at the Dubai Air Show, eager to witness his proud moment. Instead, he was met with heartbreaking news of the accident. Joginder Nath Syal, the pilot’s uncle, shared the anguish of that moment, recalling how the family learned about the tragedy through a television broadcast and phone calls. The shock and grief were palpable as they grappled with the sudden and unimaginable loss.
Across India, tributes poured in honoring Wing Commander Namansh Syal’s bravery, dedication, and service to the nation. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow, stating, “The nation has lost a brave son. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. I pay heartfelt tribute to the indomitable bravery, dedication to duty, and commitment to national service of brave son Naman Syal.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed his anguish, describing the pilot as “brave and courageous” and mourning his untimely demise.
Relatives and friends remembered Wing Commander Syal not only as a talented aviator but also as a humble and kind