New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has grounded its single-seat Tejas Light Combat Aircraft fleet for detailed technical checks after one jet was damaged in a runway overshoot earlier this month, reportedly due to a suspected brake failure.
The incident occurred on February 7 at a frontline airbase when the indigenous fighter was returning from a routine training sortie. During landing, the aircraft overshot the runway and suffered airframe damage. The pilot ejected safely, preventing any loss of life.
While the IAF has not issued an official statement, sources indicated that the entire fleet of around 30 single-seat Tejas jets has been temporarily withdrawn from operations as a precaution pending comprehensive inspections.
Third Tejas Mishap
This is the third accident involving the Tejas platform in recent years. In March 2024, a Tejas aircraft crashed near Jaisalmer after a sortie, though the pilot escaped safely. Later, in November 2025, a Tejas jet crashed during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow, resulting in the death of pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal. The probe into that incident is still ongoing.
Delivery Delays in Focus
The latest development comes amid continuing delays in the Tejas Mk-1A programme. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has missed several delivery timelines for the upgraded fighters.
In 2021, the Defence Ministry signed a ₹48,000 crore contract with HAL for 83 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft, followed by another ₹62,370 crore deal last year for 97 more jets. The rollout has been slowed mainly due to delays in engine supplies from GE Aerospace.
About Tejas
Tejas is India’s indigenous single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft designed to operate in high-threat environments. It is capable of undertaking air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike missions.
The ongoing technical review is expected to establish the exact cause of the latest incident and determine the next course of action for the fleet.
