The Indian Air Force (IAF) has shared a touching send-off video for Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who tragically lost his life in the Tejas fighter jet crash at the Dubai Air Show on Friday. The video, posted on X, serves as a tribute to the fallen air warrior and highlights his unwavering commitment and exceptional skill in service to the nation.

Wing Commander Syal, 34, was a resident of Nagrota Bagwan in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. He is survived by his wife, who is also a Wing Commander in the Air Force, their seven-year-old daughter, and his parents.

The IAF's post on X included a tribute note, lauding Wing Commander Syal's professional qualities. "A dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional, he served the nation with unwavering commitment, exceptional skill, and an unyielding sense of duty," the IAF wrote. The tribute further emphasized his dignified persona, which earned him immense respect throughout his career. This respect was evident in the send-off ceremony, attended by UAE officials, colleagues, friends, and officials from the Indian Embassy.

The send-off video depicts uniformed personnel paying their respects, with officials laying wreaths beside a tricolor-wrapped casket bearing Wing Commander Syal's mortal remains. The IAF also shared photos of him in his IAF uniform and another one in his pilot overall standing next to a fighter jet.

The Tejas fighter jet, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), crashed at approximately 2:10 pm local time (3:40 pm IST) during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. Video footage shows the aircraft suddenly losing altitude during a low-level maneuver before crashing at Al Maktoum International Airport and exploding on impact. The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident.

Prior to the crash, Wing Commander Syal was seen interacting with dignitaries at the Dubai Air Show, including India's Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, India's Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal, and India's Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the MEA, Aseem Mahajan. A video of these interactions has gone viral on social media.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences, stating he was deeply anguished by the loss of the brave pilot and that the nation stands firmly with the family in this tragic hour. Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan also conveyed his sorrow and support for the family.

Wing Commander Syal's father, Jagan Nath Syal, recounted his last conversation with his son, who had asked him to watch his performance at the Dubai Air Show. Tragically, the family learned of the crash through news reports on YouTube while searching for videos of the airshow.

This was the second crash involving the indigenously built Tejas fighter jet in less than two years. In March 2024, another Tejas went down near a residential area in Jaisalmer.