A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed in a fiery explosion during a rehearsal for the Radom Air Show, resulting in the pilot’s death. The incident occurred around 1730 GMT on Thursday as the aircraft executed a barrel roll maneuver before losing control and crashing into the runway.

Polish government spokesman Adam Szlapka confirmed the pilot’s demise via social media, though no further details were provided. Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed condolences, describing the deceased as an officer who “served the Fatherland with dedication and great courage.” He added that the tragedy marked a profound loss for the Air Force and Polish Army.

The crash involved an aircraft from the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznan, with no injuries reported among bystanders. Rescue teams swiftly arrived at the scene, but the pilot was unable to eject and died instantly. Footage captured the jet’s steep, high-speed maneuver before it nose-dived into the ground, erupting in a massive fireball.

The Radom Air Show, originally scheduled for August 30–31, has been canceled. The event, a major European aviation gathering, typically attracts international participants and large crowds. Local reports indicated the pilot, part of an elite NATO unit known as “Tiger Demo,” was not seen ejecting before the crash.

Poland acquired F-16s in 2003 as a cornerstone of NATO’s defense strategy, with ongoing upgrades amid increased military spending following Russia’s 2023 invasion of Ukraine. An investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched.