The Indian Air Force’s Tejas fighter jet fleet is under scrutiny following a recent crash during landing. This marks the third significant incident involving the aircraft, with the pilot escaping unharmed but the jet sustaining severe damage.
Investigations are underway as the Air Force awaits delayed deliveries of an upgraded MK1A variant.
The Indian Air Force has lost another Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in an accident, with the fleet now undergoing extensive checks as investigations into the incident are underway.
The Indian Air Force finally grounds the entire Tejas fleet amid rising safety concerns with it’s flight control system. Tejas fighter jet has multiple issues with flight control system and its departure protection in FCS.
Sources said the accident occurred earlier this month at a key air base when the fighter was landing after a training sortie. The aircraft has been severely damaged and is likely to be written off, though the pilot escaped without serious injury.
The incident involved one of the 32 single-seat LCAs delivered to the Air Force by manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Deliveries of the more advanced Mk1A variant have been delayed, missing multiple deadlines. The Air Force has placed orders for 180 LCA Mk1A aircraft. This marks the third major accident involving the Tejas fleet. The first occurred in March 2024, when an LCA crashed while returning from a firepower demonstration near Jaisalmer. The pilot ejected safely as the aircraft went down during final approach.
© 2026, GDC. © GDC and www.globaldefensecorp.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to www.globaldefensecorp.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
