New Delhi, February 22 - The Indian Air Force has suffered another setback with the loss of a Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in a recent accident, though the pilot ejected safely and sustained no serious injuries. The incident occurred at a major air base during the landing phase following a routine training sortie. The aircraft sustained severe damage upon impact and is expected to be written off, reducing the operational fleet of the indigenous single-seat fighters delivered by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This marks the third major incident involving the Tejas program, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining and operating the platform amid its expanding role in India's defense arsenal.
The Tejas, India's flagship indigenous light combat aircraft, represents a significant achievement in self-reliance for the Indian Air Force. Designed to replace aging fleets and provide agile multirole capabilities, the LCA has undergone extensive testing and induction since its initial operational clearance. With 32 single-seat variants already in service, the program has faced scrutiny over reliability and production timelines, particularly as deliveries of the enhanced Mk1A variant, ordered in large numbers, continue to experience delays. Despite these hurdles, the Tejas has demonstrated strong performance in various exercises, underscoring its potential as a cornerstone of future aerial combat strength.
Previous accidents provide context to the program's safety record. The first major mishap took place in March 2024 near Jaisalmer, where a Tejas crashed during its return from a firepower demonstration, with the pilot ejecting safely as the jet approached final landing. The second notable event occurred at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, involving a crash during an aerobatic display. Investigations into those incidents focused on technical and operational factors, leading to enhanced protocols. The current accident has prompted the IAF to initiate a detailed court of inquiry to determine the root cause, while the entire Tejas fleet undergoes comprehensive inspections and checks to ensure continued airworthiness.
The loss of this aircraft, while unfortunate, emphasizes the inherent risks of high-performance military aviation and the critical importance of pilot training, ejection systems, and rigorous maintenance. The safe ejection once again validates the effectiveness of the Tejas's safety features in protecting aircrew during emergencies. As the Indian Air Force and HAL work to address emerging issues, the program remains vital for bolstering indigenous defense capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers in an evolving regional security landscape. Authorities have assured that lessons from this incident will strengthen operational safety for the Tejas fleet moving forward.