IAF Tejas Jet Overshoots Runway, Entire Fleet Grounded for Technical Scrutiny
An Indian Air Force Tejas light combat aircraft sustained major airframe damage after overshooting the runway at a frontline airbase on February 7, following a suspected brake failure. Authoritative sources confirmed the incident on Sunday, noting that the pilot ejected safely without injuries. The aircraft was returning to base after completing a training sortie when the mishap occurred.
Fleet Grounding and Technical Inspection
In response to the incident, the IAF has grounded its entire fleet of approximately 30 single-seat Tejas jets to conduct an extensive technical scrutiny. This precautionary measure aims to identify any potential systemic issues and ensure operational safety. The grounding underscores the seriousness with which the air force is treating this runway overshoot event.
HAL's Statement and Clarification
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas, issued a statement on Monday refuting earlier reports of "major damage." The company described the incident as a "minor technical incident on ground" and clarified that there was no crash. "HAL acknowledges the recent media reports on the LCA Tejas incident and wishes to provide factual clarification. There has been no reported crash of the LCA Tejas. The event in question was a minor technical incident on ground," the statement read.
Historical Context of Tejas Incidents
This marks the third notable incident involving Tejas jets. The first occurred in March 2024, when a Tejas jet crashed near Jaisalmer. The second incident took place in November 2025, during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow. These previous accidents add context to the current grounding and scrutiny of the fleet.
Broader Implications for Tejas Program
The latest incident comes at a critical juncture for the Tejas program. HAL has faced multiple delays in supplying the Tejas Mark 1A variant to the IAF. In February 2021, the Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 48,000 crore deal for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets, but deliveries have been hampered primarily by GE Aerospace's missed deadlines for supplying aero engines.
Furthermore, in September of last year, the defence ministry sealed another significant deal worth Rs 62,370 crore with HAL to procure 97 additional Tejas MK-1A light combat aircraft. These delays and the recent incident could impact the timeline for fulfilling these substantial orders.
Technical Specifications of Tejas Aircraft
The Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft designed to operate in high-threat air environments. It is capable of undertaking a variety of missions, including:
- Air defence operations
- Maritime reconnaissance
- Strike roles against ground and sea targets
Its advanced design and capabilities make it a crucial component of India's indigenous defence manufacturing and air power strategy. The ongoing technical scrutiny will focus on ensuring these systems function reliably under all operational conditions.
