IAF Pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal Killed in Tejas Crash During Dubai Airshow 2025 Rehearsal

Wing Commander Namansh Syal (1991?2025), a decorated fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force, was killed on 21 November 2025 when the indigenous HAL Tejas aircraft he was flying crashed during a practice and demonstration sortie for the upcoming Dubai Airshow 2025. The accident occurred near Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, where the Tejas was scheduled to perform aerobatic displays as part of India?s participation at the event.

According to initial reports, the aircraft suddenly lost altitude during the rehearsal and crashed moments later, exploding on impact. Emergency teams rushed to the site, but Syal could not be saved. The Indian Air Force later confirmed his death and announced that a court of inquiry had been initiated to determine the cause of the crash.

Wing Commander Syal hailed from Patialakad village in Nagrota Bagwan tehsil of Himachal Pradesh?s Kangra district. An alumnus of Sainik School Sujanpur Tira, he went on to join the Indian Air Force, where he served with distinction and was posted in Hyderabad at the time of the incident. Colleagues described him as a disciplined, skilled and highly capable fighter pilot entrusted with operating the Tejas during its international demonstrations.

Syal is survived by his wife, an officer in the Indian Air Force, and their young daughter. His father, Jagan Nath, a retired Army officer and former school principal, and his mother, Bina Devi, were also residing with the family in Hyderabad. His death has left the armed forces and his hometown in deep mourning as investigations into the crash continue.