Indian Air Force Grounds Tejas Jets After 3rd Incident in 2 Years

The Indian Air Force has grounded its entire Tejas fighter jet fleet. This is the third incident involving the jet since it was first used.
By Newsroom | Aviation, India |

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken the significant step of grounding its entire fleet of approximately 30 Tejas fighter jets. This action follows a recent incident involving a Tejas aircraft that sustained major damage. The grounding is intended to allow for a comprehensive technical inspection of all aircraft in the fleet. This development comes as the aircraft, an indigenously developed fighter, has been involved in a third incident since its induction into service.

Timeline of Events and Key Actors

Reports indicate the most recent incident involving a Tejas aircraft occurred earlier this month, on February 7. The aircraft, described as a single-seat Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA), was reportedly landing at a frontline airbase after a routine training sortie. During the landing sequence, the aircraft overshot the runway, leading to substantial damage to its airframe. The pilot involved in this incident ejected safely.

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This event is the third notable incident involving the Tejas aircraft since its introduction into the Indian Air Force. The previous incidents, while not always described as "crashes," have contributed to a pattern that has now led to the fleet-wide grounding.

Key actors involved include:

  • Indian Air Force (IAF): The operator of the Tejas fleet and the entity responsible for grounding the aircraft and initiating the technical probe.

  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL): The manufacturer of the Tejas aircraft. HAL has reportedly stated that the event on February 7 was a "minor technical incident on ground" and denied reports of a crash, though they acknowledge an investigation is underway with the IAF.

  • GE Aerospace: Mentioned in one report as potentially facing delivery delays for engines, which could be a factor in broader program timelines.

Nature of the Incident and Initial Findings

Details surrounding the February 7 incident suggest a suspected brake failure as a potential cause for the aircraft overshooting the runway. However, official confirmation of the exact cause is pending the outcome of the ongoing technical investigation.

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  • The aircraft sustained major damage to its airframe.

  • The pilot ejected safely.

  • Initial reports suggest the incident occurred during a landing phase after a training sortie.

Conflicting Reports and Official Statements

There appears to be a discrepancy in how the February 7 event has been characterized. While several news outlets have reported it as a crash or a significant accident, HAL has issued a statement to the contrary.

"There has been no reported crash of the LCA Tejas. The event in question was a minor technical incident on ground," HAL said.

This statement contrasts with the IAF's decision to ground its entire fleet, implying a level of concern beyond what HAL's statement might suggest. There has been no immediate official word from the IAF directly addressing the specifics of the February 7 incident at the time of reporting.

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Grounding of the Tejas Fleet

The IAF's decision to ground all approximately 30 single-seat Tejas jets is a direct consequence of the recent incident and the accumulation of prior events.

  • The grounding is for an intensive technical probe and extensive technical scrutiny.

  • This action aims to prevent further mishaps and ensure the airworthiness of the fleet.

  • The grounding is a precautionary measure while a thorough examination is conducted.

Broader Implications and Program Context

The grounding of the Tejas fleet occurs within a larger context of ongoing modernization efforts within the Indian Air Force and challenges with the Tejas Mark 1A (Mk1A) program.

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  • The IAF has placed significant orders for the Tejas Mk1A, an upgraded variant. However, reports indicate the Mk1A program is facing delivery delays, with some sources suggesting these are nearly two years behind schedule.

  • The repeated incidents and grounding may exacerbate pressure on the Tejas program and HAL.

  • Despite these setbacks, the defense ministry has continued to procure additional Tejas aircraft, including a substantial deal for 97 Mk1A variants.

Expert Analysis and Perspectives

While no direct expert quotes were available at the time of compilation, the situation points to several areas for consideration:

  • The reliability of indigenous aircraft is a critical factor in national defense. Consistent technical issues, even if seemingly minor individually, can collectively raise questions about overall fleet readiness and safety.

  • The complexity of modern fighter jet operations requires robust maintenance and a proactive approach to identifying and rectifying potential faults.

  • The interplay between manufacturers and operators is crucial. Discrepancies in reporting or perceived responsiveness can impact trust and operational efficiency.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The Indian Air Force's decision to ground its entire Tejas fighter jet fleet signifies a serious concern regarding the aircraft's operational status. The recent incident, suspected to be caused by brake failure, has led to major airframe damage and triggered a fleet-wide technical inspection. This is the third such incident involving the Tejas since its induction, amplifying scrutiny on the aircraft's reliability.

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While HAL has characterized the event as a minor technical issue, the IAF's precautionary grounding suggests a need for a deeper investigation. The situation unfolds amidst existing delays in the Tejas Mk1A program, adding another layer of pressure.

  • Immediate next steps will involve the IAF conducting a thorough technical examination of all Tejas aircraft.

  • The findings of this investigation are critical for determining the future operational status of the fleet and identifying any systemic issues.

  • The clarity and transparency of reporting from both the IAF and HAL will be important for public and industry confidence.

  • Further developments regarding the Tejas Mk1A delivery schedule will also be closely watched.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Indian Air Force ground all Tejas fighter jets on February 7, 2026?
The Indian Air Force grounded all Tejas fighter jets after a third incident occurred on February 7, 2026. The jet overshot the runway during landing, causing major damage.
Q: What happened to the Tejas jet on February 7, 2026?
On February 7, 2026, a Tejas jet overshot the runway while landing after a training flight. The pilot ejected safely, but the aircraft suffered major damage.
Q: Is this the first time a Tejas jet has had a problem?
No, this is the third incident involving a Tejas jet since it was first used by the Indian Air Force. The grounding is a safety measure to check all jets.
Q: What does Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) say about the incident?
HAL, the maker of the Tejas jet, said the event on February 7 was a 'minor technical incident on ground' and not a crash. They are working with the Indian Air Force on an investigation.
Q: What happens next for the Tejas fighter jets?
The Indian Air Force will do a full technical check on all Tejas jets. This is to find out if there are any problems and make sure the jets are safe to fly again.