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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has suffered another setback as a light combat aircraft Tejas (LCA) died in a crash, although the pilot escaped unhurt, according to officials. The accident occurred during the landing of the fighter aircraft after a routine training mission at a major air base earlier this month.
Reports indicate that the aircraft sustained significant damage during the landing incident and is expected to be considered irreparable. Fortunately, the pilot ejected successfully and escaped any serious injuries. In response to the incident, the Indian Air Force has initiated a thorough investigation and mandated a comprehensive inspection across the Tejas fleet to identify any potential systemic issues.
The aircraft involved in the accident was one of the 32 single-seat Tejas Mk1 fighters delivered to the Indian Air Force by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The accident comes as the Air Force awaits the arrival of the more advanced Tejas Mk1A variant, the delivery of which has been delayed due to failure to meet several deadlines. The IAF has ordered 180 Mk1A aircraft in an effort to strengthen its combat capabilities.
This is the third significant accident related to the Tejas programme. In March 2024, an LCA crashed near Jaisalmer while returning from a firing demonstration, with the pilot ejecting successfully. The second incident occurred during the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, when the Tejas crashed during an aerobatic display, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot. The investigation into that accident is still ongoing.
Despite Tejas being a critical component of India’s indigenous fighter development initiative, this recent incident has intensified scrutiny of operational safety and maintenance protocols as the Air Force manages fleet readiness along with the urgent need to induct new aircraft.