IAF Grounds Tejas Fighter Jet Fleet for Technical Checks
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has reportedly grounded its entire fleet of approximately 30 single seat Tejas light combat aircraft. This decision follows an incident earlier this month where a jet sustained significant damage to its airframe.
Details of the Runway Incident
On February 7, a Tejas aircraft overshot the runway at a frontline airbase. Sources suggest the accident may have been caused by a brake failure as the jet returned from a routine training mission. Fortunately, the pilot ejected safely before the aircraft took damage. While the IAF has not issued an official statement, insiders confirm that the fleet will remain grounded for an extensive technical review.
Safety Record and Previous Incidents
This is the third accident involving a Tejas jet in the last two years. The previous two incidents occurred recently:
- March 2024: A Tejas jet crashed near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
- November 2025: An incident was reported during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow.
These events have prompted authorities to prioritize a thorough inspection of the existing fleet to ensure pilot safety and aircraft reliability.
Delivery Delays and Manufacturing Challenges
The grounding comes at a difficult time for the program. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has missed several deadlines to deliver the newer Tejas Mark 1A variant to the Air Force.
In February 2021, the Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 48,000 crore deal for 83 of these advanced jets. According to reports, the primary reason for the delay is that GE Aerospace has missed deadlines for supplying the engines needed to power the aircraft. Despite these setbacks, the government signed another deal worth Rs 62,370 crore in September 2025 to procure an additional 97 Tejas MK 1A jets.
Capabilities of the Tejas MK 1A
The LCA Mk1A is the most advanced version of the Tejas. It is a 4.5-generation, all weather fighter designed for offensive air support, close combat, and ground attacks. Key features include:
- AESA Radar: For advanced target detection.
- Electronic Warfare Suite: Providing radar warnings and self protection.
- Smart Displays: Using modern digital maps and multi function screens.
- Versatility: Variants include single seat fighters and twin-seat trainers for both the Air Force and the Navy.
As a single engine multi role fighter, the Tejas is built to operate in high-threat environments. The current technical scrutiny aims to ensure the fleet meets the high standards required for national defense.
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