As reported, a Tejas Light Combat Aircraft crashed at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, reportedly killing Wing Commander Namansh Syal. Officials have not yet confirmed a cause; the official inquiry into the crash is ongoing. A newspaper advertisement offering a very low monthly ?training stipend? for fighter pilot candidates sparked controversy, with social media users linking the ad to claims that Tejas pilots are underpaid and that low morale could impact performance. Critics and opposition figures are calling for a parliamentary inquiry, citing anonymous online testimonies alleging unequal allowances between Tejas pilots and those flying imported aircraft like the Rafale. Defence analysts say the issue highlights a broader morale and policy challenge, not just the crash itself. Public debate has shifted from technical causes to how India values and compensates its fighter pilots.