The Tejas light combat aircraft of Indian Air Force (IAF) sustained major airframe damage after overshooting the runway at a frontline airbase earlier this month, following a suspected brake failure, sources told PTI on Sunday.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has grounded its entire fleet of Tejas light combat aircraft following the third accident involving the indigenously designed jets.
The latest incident occurred on February 7, when a Tejas jet overshot the runway at a frontline airbase due to a suspected brake or onboard systems failure, resulting in major airframe damage. The pilot ejected safely without serious injury.
Sources told PTI that IAF, which operates around 30 single-seat Tejas jets, has ordered extensive technical inspections of all aircraft in the fleet.
This marks the third crash of the Tejas fighter, with previous accidents occurring near Jaisalmer in March 2024 and at the Dubai Airshow.
The latest crash comes amid delays in the delivery of the upgraded Tejas Mk1A jets. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has missed multiple deadlines, primarily due to GE Aerospace failing to meet engine supply schedules.
India’s Defence Ministry signed a ₹480 billion deal in February 2021 for 83 Tejas Mk1A jets, followed by a ₹623.7 billion deal in September 2025 for 97 additional aircraft.
Deliveries remain nearly two years behind schedule, despite IAF orders for 180 Mk1A fighters.
The Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role fighter designed for air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike missions.
Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency, it is intended to operate in high-threat environments. The IAF has not yet released an official statement regarding the recent accident.
