IAF Grounds Tejas Fleet After Third Accident in Two Years

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has grounded its entire fleet of approximately 30 Tejas light combat aircraft following a serious incident on 7 February 2026. The indigenously built fighter jet suffered major airframe damage after overshooting a runway at a frontline airbase, likely due to suspected brake failure. The pilot, who had been on a routine training sortie, ejected safely and escaped without injury. Authorities have placed the fleet under comprehensive technical scrutiny pending a full investigation into the malfunction.

A Pattern of Crashes: From Jaisalmer to Dubai

This is the third accident in the Tejas program’s operational history. The first occurred in March 2024 near Jaisalmer, while the second proved far more devastating — Wing Commander Naman Syal lost his life in November 2025 when his aircraft nosedived into the ground during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow. The IAF expressed deep regret over the fatal crash. The rapid succession of incidents has raised serious concerns about the platform’s airworthiness and long-term operational reliability.

Delivery Delays and Programme Pressure Mount on HAL

The grounding arrives at a troubled time for manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which has already missed multiple delivery deadlines for the upgraded Tejas Mk-1A variant. Delays stem largely from GE Aerospace’s failure to supply engines on schedule. Despite this, the government has backed the programme with two major contracts — ₹48,000 crore in 2021 for 83 jets and ₹62,370 crore in 2024 for a further 97 aircraft. The recurring accidents now threaten to undermine confidence in one of India’s most ambitious defence manufacturing projects.