NEW DELHI, Sunday, February 22, 2026 (WNP): The Indian Air Force (IAF) has lost another HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in an accident during landing, prompting an investigation and extensive technical checks across the fleet, according to sources.
The incident occurred earlier this month at a key operational air base when the fighter jet was landing after a routine training sortie. Preliminary assessments suggest a suspected technical malfunction, possibly involving onboard systems, though a formal inquiry is underway.
The aircraft reportedly sustained severe airframe damage and may be written off. The pilot ejected safely and escaped without serious injury.
The IAF has not issued an official statement on the latest incident so far.
This marks the third Tejas aircraft lost since its induction into service, raising fresh concerns about operational reliability amid ongoing modernization efforts.
The first crash occurred near Jaisalmer in March 2024 while the jet was returning from a firepower demonstration. The pilot ejected safely in that incident.
The second accident took place during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025. The pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, sustained fatal injuries in the crash after being unable to eject safely. Visual footage from the scene showed the aircraft descending rapidly before bursting into flames upon impact. An inquiry into that crash remains ongoing.
Following the Dubai Airshow accident, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, Anil Chauhan, said he “deeply regrets” the loss of the aircraft and the pilot.
The latest accident comes amid reported delays in the Tejas Mk1A programme. Deliveries are said to be running nearly two years behind schedule despite IAF orders for 180 Mk1A fighters, part of India’s broader effort to modernize its air combat fleet and reduce dependence on foreign platforms.
While officials maintain that isolated accidents are not uncommon in military aviation, the recurrence of incidents involving the Tejas platform has triggered renewed scrutiny of technical systems, maintenance protocols and production timelines.
With investigations underway, the focus will likely remain on identifying the root cause of the latest crash and ensuring the continued operational safety of the remaining fleet.
