The Indian Air Force (IAF) has lost another HAL Tejas light combat aircraft in an accident earlier this month, prompting the grounding of its entire fleet pending technical inspections, Indian media reported.
According to reports, the aircraft was landing after a routine training sortie on February 7 at a key air base when it encountered a suspected technical malfunction or brake failure, overshot the runway and suffered severe airframe damage. The pilot ejected safely and did not sustain serious injuries, sources said.
Following the accident, the IAF grounded its fleet of around 30 single‑seat Tejas jets to conduct comprehensive technical checks and a safety investigation, domestic news agencies reported. The service has not yet issued an official public statement on the latest crash.
This incident marks the third major Tejas aircraft loss since the type was inducted into the Indian Air Force. The first crash occurred near Jaisalmer in March 2024 during a return from a firepower demonstration, with the pilot ejecting safely. The second loss was reported in November 2025 during the Dubai Airshow, when the pilot did not survive the crash in what was widely covered as a fatal accident.
The latest setback comes amid ongoing delays in the Tejas Mk‑1A program, with deliveries running nearly two years behind schedule despite large orders placed by the Indian Ministry of Defence for new fighters. Investigators are expected to determine whether the suspected