The international aviation community is mourning the loss of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot who tragically died on November 21, 2025, when his Tejas Light Combat Aircraft crashed during a flying display at the Dubai Airshow. In a touching display of solidarity, the Russian Knights aerobatic team dedicated their entire performance at the airshow to the fallen pilot, calling him a "brother in the skies".
The Russian pilots expressed deep sorrow over the incident, conveying that the moments after the crash were "impossible to describe". They chose to continue their performance as a tribute to their "brothers who did not return from their final flight". The team's aerial display featured a tight formation, accompanied by a message of support for the IAF and in honor of Wing Commander Syal. This tribute from a foreign nation underscored the unity among military aviators globally.
The Tejas aircraft crashed while executing a low-altitude negative-G maneuver. Eyewitness videos showed the aircraft losing altitude rapidly before hitting the ground and erupting into flames. The IAF has initiated a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident.
Wing Commander Syal's mortal remains were flown to his native Himachal Pradesh, where he was cremated with full military honors. Before being returned home, his body was flown to Sulur Air Force Station near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where a wreath-laying ceremony was held. Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, senior IAF officers, and members of the Flying Daggers Squadron paid tribute to the pilot.
Wing Commander Syal, 34, hailed from Patiyalkar village in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. He was commissioned into the IAF in December 2009 and is survived by his wife, who is also an IAF officer, their daughter, and his parents. The Air Force has lauded him as a "dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional" known for his unwavering commitment and exceptional skill.
India's Defence Minister had announced the country's participation in the Dubai Airshow on November 18, noting that the Tejas would be part of the flying and static displays. The Tejas, a single-engine, fourth-generation multirole combat aircraft, has been in service with the IAF since 2015. It is designed by India's Aeronautical Development Agency and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The crash marks the second accident for the Tejas; the first occurred during a training exercise in March 2024. The Indian Air Force operates approximately 30 Tejas Mark 1 variants and has plans to procure 97 Tejas Mk 1A jets.
The Dubai Airshow Organizing Committee conveyed its condolences to the family of Wing Commander Syal and the Indian Air Force. Following the accident, aerial displays were temporarily halted but later resumed.
