NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has grounded its entire fleet of domestically built Tejas fighter aircraft after another jet crash during a training sortie earlier this month, Indian media reported on Monday.
According to reports in The Times of India and The Hindu, the incident occurred on February 7 at a frontline air base.
The single-seat Tejas aircraft sustained major structural damage after a runway overrun during landing.
The pilot ejected safely and did not suffer serious injuries, media reports said.
The IAF has not issued an official statement on the incident so far.
Following the accident, the IAF grounded around 30 operational single-seat Tejas jets to conduct technical inspections and safety checks across the fleet, The Hindu reported.
Initial assessments cited by Indian media pointed to a possible technical malfunction involving onboard systems.
Other reports suggested a brake failure after touchdown may have led to the runway overrun.
A high-level court of inquiry has reportedly been ordered. A preliminary report is expected in the coming weeks.
State-run manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which produces the Tejas, denied reports describing the incident as a crash.
In a statement, the Bengaluru-based company termed it “a minor technical incident on the ground”.
Third major mishap
The latest accident is the third involving the Tejas jet since the aircraft’s induction into service.
In March 2024, a Tejas jet crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan after a firepower demonstration. The pilot ejected safely.
In November 2025, another Tejas aircraft was lost during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow.
The pilot, Namansh Syal, was killed after being unable to eject safely. Investigations into that crash are still ongoing, according to media reports.
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The recent incident has intensified scrutiny of the Tejas programme, which is central to India’s efforts to develop an indigenous fighter aircraft capability.
Delays in Mk1A programme
The grounding comes at a sensitive time for the IAF, which faces a shortage of fighter squadrons and is relying heavily on the Tejas platform to replenish its fleet.
The Tejas Mk1A variant is reportedly running nearly two years behind schedule.
Indian media have attributed the delays to slower-than-expected engine deliveries and supply chain challenges, including missed deadlines by US-based GE Aerospace for powerplant supplies.
In February 2021, India’s defence ministry signed a contract worth INR 480 billion (around $5.8 billion) with HAL for 83 Tejas Mk1A jets.
In September 2025, the ministry signed another deal valued at INR 623.7 billion for 97 additional Mk1A aircraft.
The Tejas Mk1A is described as a multi-role fighter capable of air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike missions.
Defence analysts say the latest accident poses a credibility test for India’s flagship indigenous fighter programme.
