A pilot was killed after an Indian fighter jet crashed during an aerial demonstration at the Dubai Airshow on Friday.
Videos widely shared online showed a large explosion after the Tejas aircraft crashed to the ground, sending thick smoke rising into the sky.
The Dubai Media Office confirmed the fatal incident and said emergency services were sent to the scene.
It is understood the incident took place shortly after 2pm. The Dubai Airshow is staged at a purpose-built venue at Dubai World Central.
"A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today’s flying display at the Dubai Airshow has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot," Dubai Media Office said.
"Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site."
Deceased pilot named
The pilot was later named as Wing Commander Namnash Syal Ji in a tribute shared by Sukhvinder Singh, chief minister of the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
"The news of the demise of Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district's brave son Namnash Syal ji in the Tejas aircraft accident at the Dubai Airshow is extremely heartbreaking and soul-wrenching," he said on X.
"The nation has lost a brave, dutiful, and courageous pilot.I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members."
Tributes paid as investigation launched
The Indian Air Force said an investigation was to be launched to establish the cause of the incident.
"An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today," the air force said on social media.
"The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.
"A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident."
The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing its solidarity with India and its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman of both Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Dubai Airports and chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline also paid tribute.
"We are deeply saddened by today’s accident at the Dubai Airshow," he wrote on X.
"On behalf of the airshow committee, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and colleagues of the pilot who tragically lost his life, and extend our full support to the Indian Air Force team.
The Dubai Airshow Organising Committee had earlier extended its "heartfelt condolences to the family of the Indian Air Force pilot" and conveyed its sympathies to the Indian Air Force.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE said embassy and consulate teams were "on the ground and extending all assistance".
"We are in touch with UAE authorities in the matter," the embassy said on X.
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition in India's Lok Sabha lower house of parliament, expressed his condolences following the crash.
"Deeply saddened by the loss of our brave IAF pilot in the Tejas crash at the Dubai Airshow," Mr Gandhi wrote on X.
"My heartfelt condolences to his family. The nation stands with them, honouring his courage and service."
Friday was the final day of the Dubai Airshow, one of the world's largest aviation events which was expected to attract close to 150,000 visitors this year.
Such aerial displays are a popular attraction at the biennial airshow, demonstrating the skills of highly-trained pilots and showcasing the latest in aviation technology.
'He didn't have time to pull up'
Will Gilmore, from the UK, was among the crowds watching the demonstration when tragedy struck.
"It was inverted, the pilot was flying upside down, he turned the plane over to try and correct it," said Mr Gilmore.
"At that point I said he's very low to the ground and it didn't look like he had time to pull up.
"I didn't see anyone eject or anything like that, it happened so quickly. I assume it happened in milliseconds."
Mr Gilmore said he was behind a tent and his view was partially obscured when the aircraft made impact.
"We just saw this huge cloud of smoke, the authorities reacted very quickly, sirens went off immediately, the lady announcer on the tannoy was very good, very calm and quick to react, [she said] all the authorities were notified," he said.
"We heard sirens almost immediately. The mood completely changed. It was quite an upbeat event and it was very sombre after."
India's advanced military aircraft
The Tejas fighter jet was developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (Hal), a leading aerospace company established in 1940.
The company describes the light combat aircraft on its website as a "4.5 generation, all weather and multi-role" fighter jet, which is capable of taking up offensive air support, close combat and ground attack roles.
The company says versions of the aircraft have been produced or are in development for use by the Indian Air Force and the Navy.
