By Dr Nishakant Ojha- Eminent Expert Counter Terrorism , Cyber & Aerospace Security
The sky above the Dubai Air Show is usually a stage for power, precision, and pride. It is where nations showcase their finest aircraft and pilots paint arcs of mastery against the horizon. But on 21 November 2025, that sky turned somber as a plume of black smoke marked the tragic crash of the Indian Air Force’s Tejas fighter, flown by Wing Commander Namansh Syal. In a moment, what was meant to highlight India’s technological confidence became a stark reminder of the risks aviators accept every single day.
I was not present at the Dubai Air Show, but as a civilian associated with the Indian Air Force fraternity, I felt compelled to reflect on the loss of Wing Commander Syal. His passing is not just a national tragedy-it is the loss of a young father, a devoted husband, a son of Himachal, and one of India’s most skilled fighter pilots. From the unforgiving MiG-21 to the powerful Sukhoi-30 MKI and finally the indigenous Tejas, his career embodied discipline, excellence, and the quiet courage that defines military aviation.
The Man in the Cockpit-Wing Commander Namansh Syal
Behind the visor and flying gear was a man grounded in service and values. Wing Commander Syal came from the peaceful village of Patiyalkar in Himachal Pradesh, a place where many families share a legacy of military service-and he carried that tradition forward with quiet pride.
His professional journey spoke volumes of his grit and brilliance. He trained on the demanding MiG-21, mastered the Sukhoi-30 MKI, and ultimately earned the responsibility of flying the Tejas, India’s expression of technological self-reliance. On the brink of promotion, he was widely regarded as one of the IAF’s rising stars.And beyond the cockpit, he was simply a family man-a husband to Afsaan, an IAF officer herself, and a doting father to their six-year-old daughter. To them, he wasn’t just a guardian of India’s skies; he was the anchor of their home.
The Machine-Tejas and India’s Ambition-The Tejas is far more than an aircraft. It is India’s declaration that it can build, innovate, and lead in modern aerospace technology. Developed by HAL, the Tejas represents a shift from dependency to self-belief.
Its performance at the Dubai Air Show was meant to symbolize India’s progress on the global stage. And while every incident undergoes scrutiny, it is important to remember that this was only the second major accident in Tejas’s operational history-a safety record that surpasses many established fighters. This loss is a setback, not a verdict.
The Mission-The Unforgiving Art of Aerial Display
Air show displays may look graceful to the audience, but to pilots, they are high-risk missions flown at the edges of aerodynamic possibility. Every low pass, high-G turn, and vertical climb is executed with razor-thin margins for error.This is not stunt flying. It is professional excellence offered as a salute to the nation. Pilots like Syal commit to years of intense training to perform these maneuvers. They do so not for applause, but to demonstrate what their aircraft-and their country-are capable of.
The Aftermath-Humanity, Noise, and the Silence of Loss, (The world’s reaction to the tragedy revealed two contrasting faces of humanity)
On one side was dignity. The Indian Air Force mourned a warrior, but what moved many was the respect flowing from across the border. Pakistani veterans, aviation enthusiasts, and strategic communities expressed heartfelt condolences. “Our rivalry belongs to the skies,” one message read, “but we never celebrate loss.” Another simply stated-“Sacrifice deserves respect, regardless of nationality.”Aviators everywhere share this unwritten code-when an aircraft falls silent, there are no borders, only the shared grief of the profession. But amid this respect surfaced an unfortunate strain of mockery from a few quarters. This is not patriotism. Ridiculing the death of a pilot reveals emptiness, not allegiance. It dishonors the very idea of courage.
The True Legacy-Lessons We Must Carry Forward……The story of Wing Commander Syal and the Tejas crash offers powerful lessons for all of us..
1. Patriotism means respect, not ridicule.
True national pride lies in honoring those who defend us-especially in their final moments.
2. Courage is universal.
Professionalism recognizes no borders; bravery speaks one language.
3. Resilience fuels progress.
The Tejas program must move forward stronger than before. Every setback in aviation leads to improvement, innovation, and deeper resolve.
4. Families serve too.
We must extend our collective strength to Wing Commander Syal’s family and the IAF community, who now carry the weight of loss.
