Shimla, Nov 23 (LatestNewsX) – The remains of 34‑year‑old IAF Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who perished in a Tejas crash during the Dubai Air Show, were flown back to his hometown in Himachal Pradesh and laid to rest with comprehensive military rites on Sunday.
Born in Patiyalkar village near Yol in Kangra district, Wing Commander Syal had a remarkable service record and was stationed at the Hyderabad airbase. He is survived by his wife, Afsaan—an IAF officer—and their five‑year‑old daughter.
His parents, former serviceman Jagan Nath (who later became a principal in the Himachal Pradesh Education Department) and Bina Devi, had traveled to Hyderabad to greet their son when the accident occurred on 21 November. The HAL‑designed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft was performing a low‑altitude fly‑by at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport when it lost control, crashed, and ignited.
“Honouring Wg Cdr Namansh Syal, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Dubai Air Show on 21 Nov 2025. His courage, skill, and dedication to the nation will forever inspire us. Gone too soon, but never forgotten,” Southern Air Command IAF Media Co‑ordination Centre wrote on X.
Recognised as a highly skilled and dedicated fighter pilot, Wing Commander Syal devoted his life to service, earning the admiration of colleagues, friends, and dignitaries alike.
“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,” it added.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow, calling the pilot “a brave son of India taken far too soon.” The state’s Youth Services and Sports Minister Yadwinder Goma and local MLA Raghubir Singh Bali were among the political leaders present.
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