‘Courage, Devotion’: IAF Lauds Wing Commander Namansh Syal Who Died In Dubai Tejas Crash

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday paid tribute to Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who lost his life in tragic Tejas fighter jet crash at the Dubai Air Show on Friday. Lauding Syal’s bravery, IAF said he had “an unyielding sense of duty.” A single-seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fighter jet was executing a negative G turn before it struck the ground.

In a post on X, the IAF said, “A dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional, he served the nation with unwavering commitment, exceptional skill and an unyielding sense of duty. His dignified persona earned him immense respect through a life devoted to service, and was visible in the send-off attended by UAE officials, colleagues, friends, and the officials of the Indian Embassy. The

IAF stands in solidarity with his family in this hour of profound grief and honours his legacy of courage, devotion and honour. May his service be remembered with gratitude.”

The Indian Air Force deeply mourns the tragic loss of Wg Cdr Namansh Syal, who lost his life in the unfortunate Tejas aircraft accident at the Dubai Air Show.
A dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional, he served the nation with unwavering commitment, exceptional skill… pic.twitter.com/1XytMiFWsG

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 22, 2025

As the craft turned into a massive ball of flames, the crowd at the Al Maktoum International Airport, who had gathered to witness the air show, jumped out of their seats to capture the visuals.

Several videos and photos of the crash were shared on social media.

In one of the videos showing final moments of the crash, Wing Commander Namansh Syal can be seen attempting to eject at the last moment.

Wing Commander Namansh Syal, hailed from Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh. He is survived by his wife, who is also an IAF officer, their six-year-old daughter, and his parents. 

The mortal remains of the wing commander reached the Sulur Air Force station near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu around 9 am on Saturday.