Wing Commander Namansh Syal of the Indian Air Force received a moving tribute from the Russian Knights aerobatic team after he lost his life in a Tejas fighter jet crash at the Dubai Air Show on Friday.
The respected pilot was flying an eight-minute aerobatic routine when the jet suddenly lost altitude during a low-level manoeuvre and crashed, erupting into flames near Al Maktoum International Airport. Thick black smoke rose over the venue as stunned spectators looked on.
Russian Knights Share Heartfelt Video Tribute
Shortly after the crash, the Russian Knights posted a tribute video on the social platform VK. The team described the tragedy as “impossible to describe” and said their final performance at the air show was dedicated to “the memory of the brothers who did not return from the last flight.”
The video showed the team performing the symbolic “Missing Man” formation, a salute traditionally used to honour fallen pilots.
US F-16 Team Reacts Strongly to the Incident
The emotional impact of the crash was felt across the international aviation community.
Pilot Captain Taylor Hiester from the US F-16 demonstration team said he and his team were shocked that the air show continued even after the fatal accident.
In a personal note shared as he returned to the US, Hiester wrote that several teams cancelled their shows out of respect for the Indian pilot and his family. He described the moment as deeply unsettling, recalling how the Indian maintenance crew stood silently beside an empty parking spot where the Tejas aircraft once rested.
💔🇮🇳🇷🇺 "In memory of those brothers who never returned from their last flight"
— Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) November 23, 2025
After the crash of an Indian Tejas fighter jet, the 'Russian Knights' aerobatic team shared a video of their performance at the Dubai Airshow 2025, honoring the lost souls. pic.twitter.com/rJ67QxNnP4
Eyewitnesses Describe the Final Moments
Visuals broadcast on multiple channels captured the Tejas jet diving sharply before hitting the ground. Families, aviation fans and international guests watched in disbelief as emergency crews rushed toward the crash site.
Despite immediate response efforts, the impact was fatal. The Indian Air Force later confirmed the death of Wing Commander Syal, a respected and skilled pilot who had represented India at several international events.
A Loss Felt Beyond Borders
The tribute from the Russian Knights and the respect shown by other international teams reflect the bond shared among aviators across nations.
Wing Commander Syal’s passing has become a moment of collective mourning within the global aviation community, marking the loss of a dedicated officer who represented India with honour.
