IAF Loses Tejas Fighter Jet in Accident, Pilot Ejects Safely Amid Ongoing Investigations
The Indian Air Force (IAF) lost a Tejas Light Combat Aircraft in a training accident earlier this month, with the pilot ejecting safely. The aircraft, one of 32 delivered by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), sustained severe damage during landing and is expected to be written off.
This incident follows two previous accidents involving Tejas: one in March 2024 near Jaisalmer and another in November 2025 during the Dubai Airshow, where the pilot died. The IAF has grounded the Tejas fleet for inspections amid delays in the delivery of the upgraded Tejas MK-1A variant, for which 180 orders have been placed. The program has faced persistent challenges, and ongoing investigations aim to address operational safety concerns.
