The Indian Air Force (IAF) has grounded all its Tejas fighter jets after a recent accident that severely damaged one of the aircrafts. The crash happened earlier this month during a routine training flight, the pilot ejected safely and survived without major injuries. The incident has caused a full technical review of the fleet of around 30 single-seat Tejas jets.
According to sources, the accident happened while the indigenously developed fighter jet Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was landing at an air base. Initial reports suggest a possible technical malfunction in the aircraft’s onboard systems, though details will be released after investigation.
This incident marks the third Tejas aircraft lost since the jet was installed into the IAF. The first crash occurred in March 2024 near Jaisalmer after a firepower demonstration, while the second happened during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, claimed the life of the pilot.
The recent mishap comes at a time when the Tejas Mk1A program is already facing delays, with deliveries operating nearly two years behind schedule. The IAF had ordered 180 upgraded Mk1A jets, which are expected to be faster, more powerful, and equipped with advanced systems compared to the current fleet.
The Tejas program has long been a symbol of India’s push for indigenous defence capabilities, but repeated accidents underline the challenges of developing advanced fighter jets locally. While the IAF has not released an official statement on this accident, the affected aircraft may be no longer usable due to extensive damage.
