Wing Commander Namansh Syal, 34, of Himachal Pradesh’s Nagrota Bagwan, was martyred after an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during a practice sortie at the Dubai Air Show 2025. The indigenous fighter, performing a demonstration flight, went down on Friday afternoon, leading to the tragic loss of one of India’s finest aviators.
Syal, originally from Patialakad village, was known for his discipline, courage, and outstanding service record. A former student of Sainik School, Sujanpur Tira, he built a distinguished career in the Indian Air Force, earning respect across the force for his dedication and precision.
He is survived by his elderly parents, his wife who also serves in the IAF, and their six-year-old daughter. At the time of the incident, his parents, Jagan Nath and Bina Devi, were in Hyderabad visiting their son and daughter-in-law.
Visuals from the Dubai Air Show showed the Tejas aircraft rapidly losing altitude before exploding into flames, leaving spectators shocked. As news broke, grief swept across Kangra valley, where villagers gathered late into the night outside the family home, trying to process the loss of their beloved son.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow, saying the nation had lost a brave and committed warrior. He added that Wing Commander Syal’s service and sacrifice would forever be remembered.
Details of the last rites are awaited, but the nation stands united in mourning a hero who devoted his life to India’s skies.
