New Delhi: A domestically developed Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed while landing after a routine training sortie, officials confirmed on Sunday. The pilot ejected safely and escaped with no serious injuries.
However, the aircraft sustained extensive damage and authorities are likely to declare it unserviceable. Consequently, the IAF ordered a high-level court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. In addition, officials initiated a comprehensive technical inspection of the entire Tejas fleet to rule out any systemic fault.
The jet was among 32 single-seat Tejas aircraft delivered to the Air Force by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-run aerospace firm leading India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme. Officials have not yet disclosed preliminary findings regarding the crash.
The incident occurred at a sensitive time for the Air Force, which continues to face delays in receiving the upgraded Tejas Mark 1A variant. Although the IAF has ordered 180 Tejas aircraft to strengthen its combat fleet, production timelines have encountered repeated setbacks.
Moreover, this marks the third major accident involving the Tejas programme in recent years. In March 2024, a jet crashed near Jaisalmer. Later, another aircraft was lost during the Dubai Air Show in November 2025, resulting in the pilot’s death.
As a result, defence analysts have intensified scrutiny of the indigenous fighter programme and maintenance standards. While the Air Force urgently needs additional aircraft to address squadron shortages, experts stress that operational safety and reliability must remain paramount.
