रिपोर्ट: Rohtas Darshan चुनाव डेस्क | Dubai | Updated: 22 नवंबर 2025:
Wing Commander Namansh Syal: The Brave Tejas Pilot Who Lost His Life in Dubai Crash
An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flight demonstration at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, leading to the tragic death of its pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal. The incident occurred around 2 PM local time at Al Maktoum International Airport, and videos of the crash quickly spread across social media, showing the aircraft coming down shortly after takeoff and bursting into flames.
A Son of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Wing Commander Namansh Syal was a native of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh. The news of his demise has brought deep mourning not only to his family but also to the state.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief on X, writing that the nation has lost a courageous and dedicated warrior who served India with distinction. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and saluted Syal’s courage and commitment.
IAF Statement: Inquiry Ordered
In an official release, the Indian Air Force confirmed the loss and stated: “An IAF Tejas aircraft crashed on Friday during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Airshow. The pilot lost his life in the accident. The IAF deeply regrets this irreparable loss and stands firmly with the grieving family. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to establish the cause of the accident.”
The Father’s Emotional Account
Namansh’s father, Jagan Nath Syal, a retired school principal, shared his emotional last interaction with his son. He revealed that he spoke to Namansh on Thursday, when the pilot asked him to watch his airshow performance on TV or YouTube.
He recalled that while searching for the airshow online around 4 PM on Friday, he came across reports of the crash. He immediately phoned his daughter-in-law—who is also a Wing Commander—and asked her to confirm what had happened. Within minutes, six Air Force officers arrived at the family’s residence, and the worst was understood.
Namansh’s parents are currently in Coimbatore at their son’s home, where they had traveled two weeks earlier to help take care of their granddaughter Arya.
Namansh joined the Indian Air Force after clearing the NDA in 2009. His father shared that he was an academically brilliant student and deeply committed to his service.
National Leaders Pay Tribute
The news of the crash drew messages of condolence from across the nation:
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed profound grief and extended strength to the family in this difficult time.
• CDS General Anil Chauhan and senior officers of the Armed Forces also conveyed their sorrow at the loss.
• BJP leader and MP Anurag Thakur also mourned the demise, calling it a painful loss for Himachal Pradesh and the nation.
Tejas: India’s Homegrown Fighter
The Tejas is India’s fully indigenous, single-engine lightweight fighter aircraft designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Key capabilities include:
• BVR (Beyond Visual Range) missile firing capability
• Electronic Warfare suite
• Active electronically scanned radar
• Air-to-air refueling
• High agility and low radar signature
Powered by the General Electric F404-GE-IN20 engine, Tejas can fly at speeds of Mach 1.6 to 1.8 and at altitudes up to 52,000 feet, while carrying up to 8–9 tons of weapons—comparable to heavier fighters like the Sukhoi-30.
The newer Mark 1A version also uses the same engine, while the future Tejas Mark 2 will be equipped with the more powerful GE F414 INS6 engine.
Growing Global and Domestic Orders
In September this year, the Indian Ministry of Defence signed a major deal with HAL for the purchase of 97 Tejas fighter jets, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. Earlier, in 2021, India had signed a contract for 83 Tejas aircraft, though delivery was delayed due to engine supply constraints from the United States.
A Nation in Mourning
Wing Commander Namansh Syal’s sacrifice has left the country in grief, but his legacy stands as a symbol of courage, commitment, and service to the nation. His contribution to India’s aerospace journey and the Tejas program will not be forgotten.
