Dubai, UAE – In a gesture of empathy that transcends geopolitical tensions, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has extended condolences to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the family of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who tragically died in a crash at the Dubai Air Show. The incident occurred on Friday, November 21, 2025, when an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display.
Wing Commander Namansh Syal, 37, was the sole pilot of the HAL-built Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. The aircraft went down around 2:10 pm local time at the Al Maktoum International Airport during a planned demonstration as part of the airshow's flying display program. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft nosedive before erupting into a fireball upon impact, causing immediate panic among spectators. Emergency teams responded rapidly to the scene. The IAF has constituted a Court of Inquiry to ascertain the cause of the accident.
In an overnight message on X, Khawaja Asif conveyed his sincere condolences on behalf of the Pakistan Strategic Forum and the entire nation. The Pakistan Strategic Forum is described as an agency of defense analysts providing tactical and military insights. Asif noted that the pilot was unable to eject from the aircraft and did not survive the crash.
Minister Asif clarified that while rivalry exists between the two countries' air forces, it is confined to the skies. "Our rivalry belongs to the skies ONLY, & as per the teachings of Quran & Sunnah we do not celebrate any unfortunate incident," he stated, concluding his message with "Over to the skies & beyond, RIP BRAVE HEART".
The Pakistan Strategic Forum echoed this sentiment in its own post on X, saying, "We extend our heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of Wg Cdr Namansh Syal in today's Tejas crash at the Dubai Air Show". The forum emphasized that "an aviator's passing is a loss to the entire aerospace community, beyond borders and beyond rivalry". Their statement further read, "Our rivalry belongs only to the skies not at air shows where we stand together on common ground, united by passion for flight and respect for those who dare to push the limits," adding, "Our prayers are with his family and his squadron in this difficult hour".
The Dubai Airshow, held from November 17-21, showcases a wide range of aerospace and defense capabilities. India had a significant presence at the event, with the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team performing and the LCA Tejas being exhibited.
The IAF has expressed its deep regret over the loss of life and affirmed its support for the bereaved family. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu paid tribute to Wing Commander Syal, describing him as "a brave, dutiful, and courageous pilot". Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his anguish and conveyed his condolences to the family.
This is the second crash involving the Tejas fighter jet in recent times. On March 12, 2024, a single-engine Tejas fighter jet crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.
The accident led to a temporary suspension of the flying display at the Dubai Airshow. The Dubai Media Office released a statement confirming the incident and the rapid response of firefighting and emergency teams.
