Tejas Crash Prompts Technical Inspection Across IAF Fleet

The Indian Air Force has begun a detailed technical inspection of its Light Combat Aircraft Tejas fleet after a landing accident earlier this month left one fighter severely damaged.

The incident involved a single-seat jet returning to a key air base following a routine training sortie. During landing, the aircraft sustained damage significant enough that officials now expect it to be written off.

The pilot ejected safely and avoided serious injury, according to officials familiar with the development. There were no immediate reports of additional casualties.

The aircraft was part of the first batch of 32 single-seat LCA Mk1 fighters delivered to the Air Force by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Those jets marked an early operational phase for the indigenous program.

In response to the mishap, the Air Force has ordered a high-level court of inquiry. The investigation will examine whether the accident stemmed from a technical malfunction or an operational factor during landing. Such inquiries typically involve a review of flight data, maintenance records and pilot inputs, though officials have not detailed the specific scope in this case.

This is the third major loss linked to the Tejas program.

In March 2024, a Tejas aircraft crashed near Jaisalmer. The pilot survived that incident. Later, in November 2025, a second crash occurred during the Dubai Airshow in Dubai, resulting in the death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal.

Following the Dubai crash, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited had described the event as an isolated occurrence. However, the latest accident has renewed scrutiny of safety procedures and technical oversight surrounding the fleet.

The Air Force has not indicated whether flight operations of other Tejas aircraft will be restricted during the inspection period. For now, the focus remains on determining the precise cause of the landing accident and assessing any implications for the broader fleet.

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As the inquiry proceeds, the outcome is expected to carry weight not only for ongoing operations but also for confidence in the country’s indigenous fighter programme.