Another Tejas Aircraft Incident Raises Questions on Fleet Safety
A fresh incident involving a Tejas light combat aircraft has once again drawn attention to the operational safety of the fighter fleet operated by the Indian Air Force. The aircraft reportedly crashed during landing following a routine training sortie earlier this month. The pilot ejected safely and survived without serious injuries, but the aircraft sustained heavy structural damage. This marks the third significant incident involving the Tejas platform in recent years. In 2024, a Tejas aircraft went down near Jaisalmer during a demonstration exercise. Another crash occurred during an international airshow in 2025, resulting in the loss of a pilot. The latest accident, which took place in February 2026, has intensified scrutiny over the aircraft’s reliability and operational readiness.
2/23/20261 min read
Fleet Grounded for Safety Checks
Following the recent crash, authorities have reportedly grounded portions of the fleet for comprehensive technical inspections. Early reports suggest that potential technical malfunctions — including possible onboard system or braking issues — are being examined. A formal inquiry has been initiated to determine the precise cause of the accident.
The Tejas fighter jet is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a key player in the country’s indigenous defense manufacturing program. While some reports have described the latest event as a severe crash, other statements have characterized it as a ground-related incident that resulted in significant airframe damage. The final assessment will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
Broader Implications
The Tejas program represents a major milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen domestic aerospace capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign fighter aircraft. However, repeated incidents — even when pilots survive — inevitably raise operational and safety concerns.
For the Air Force, the priority remains pilot safety, technical transparency, and restoring confidence in the fleet. Investigations of this nature are standard procedure and are aimed at ensuring that any systemic issues are identified and corrected swiftly.
Disclaimer: This update is shared based on publicly available information. VOTG News is not responsible for any decisions made based on this news. The image is AI-generated only for illustration