IAF grounds Tejas fleet after yet another jet crashes
NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has lost another HAL Tejas light combat aircraft in an accident earlier this month, Indian media reported, with the pilot ejecting safely after the fighter sustained severe damage during landing.
Following the incident, Indian media reported that the IAF has grounded its fleet of around 30 single-seat Tejas jets to conduct intensive technical checks and a safety probe.
Initial reports cite a suspected technical fault in onboard systems, while other accounts suggest a possible brake failure after touchdown that may have caused a runway overrun and major airframe damage. The cause remains under investigation.
Indian media said the incident occurred during landing following a routine training sortie at an operational or forward air base, adding that the aircraft could be written off due to the extent of the damage.
This is reported to be the third Tejas aircraft lost since induction. The first crash occurred near Jaisalmer in March 2024 after a firepower demonstration, with the pilot ejecting safely.
A second loss was reported during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, when pilot Namansh Syal was killed after being unable to eject safely; an inquiry into that crash is still underway, according to the information provided.
The latest accident comes amid delays in the Tejas Mk1A programme, with deliveries described as running nearly two years behind schedule despite an order for 180 Mk1A fighters, Indian media reported.
Last September, India’s defence ministry signed another deal valued at INR 623.7 billion to procure 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft, described as a multi-role fighter capable of air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike missions.
The IAF has not issued an official statement on the latest incident so far, according to the information provided. Monitoring Desk
