India’s Tejas Fleet Temporarily Grounded After Jet Loss

• Pilot ejected safely, aircraft might be deemed a total loss.
• Investigation into the precise cause is ongoing.
• This marks the third Tejas aircraft lost since entering service.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently reported the loss of another HAL Tejas light combat jet in an incident earlier this month. The pilot ejected safely after the aircraft sustained significant damage during landing.

Preliminary reports suggest a possible technical malfunction involving onboard systems, while other accounts hint at a brake failure upon touchdown, causing a runway overrun and extensive damage to the aircraft structure. The exact cause is still under investigation.

The incident took place during a routine training mission at an operational or forward airbase, and the aircraft is likely to be written off due to the severity of the damage, according to Indian media sources.

Following the accident, the IAF has grounded its fleet of approximately 30 single-seat Tejas jets for detailed technical inspections and safety assessments.

This is reportedly the third Tejas lost since deployment. The first occurred near Jaisalmer in March 2024 after a firepower demonstration, with the pilot safely ejecting. Another loss was reported at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, when pilot Naman Syal was killed after an unsuccessful ejection attempt. An investigation into that crash is still in progress, authorities confirmed.

The recent accident coincides with delays in the Tejas Mk1A program, with deliveries running nearly two years behind schedule. Despite an order for 180 units, Indian media report the manufacturing process has faced significant setbacks.

In September, India’s defense ministry signed a new agreement worth INR 623.7 billion to purchase an additional 97 Tejas Mk-1A fighters. These multi-role aircraft are capable of air defense, maritime patrol, and strike missions.

The Indian Air Force has yet to release an official statement regarding the latest incident.