After witnessing a third Tejas LCA crash, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has reportedly grounded the entire fleet from flying. Reports suggest that since 2024, every year has witnessed a Tejas aircraft crash, indicating technical or production errors. Here’s what went wrong.
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Third Tejas LCA Crash Due to Brake Failure
The Economic Times reported that a third Tejas LCA crashed at an Indian Air Force base on February 7, 2026. Reportedly, the incident occurred during the landing phase after a routine training sortie due to brake failure.
The fighter jet encountered issues while approaching the runway. The pilot safely ejected himself from the craft before the crash. He only suffered minor injuries, while the aircraft suffered heavy damage, becoming unfit for flight.
“The crash occurred at an Indian Air Force base. The pilot ejected safely and sustained no serious injuries. The aircraft suffered significant damage and is likely to be taken out of service. The Air Force has launched an investigation and is conducting comprehensive checks across the entire Tejas fleet,” noted the Economic Times.
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Tejas LCA Crash History, Two More Cases Reported
The Tejas aircraft from the February crash was one of the 32 single-seat Light Combat Aircraft. It was delivered to the IAF by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and is the third Tejas aircraft to crash since 2024.
The first accident took place near Jaisalmer in March 2024, where the aircraft crashed after returning from a firepower demonstration. Thankfully, even that time the pilot managed to eject safely before impact.
However, the pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, in the second incident lost his life. The second Tejas jet fighter crash took place in November 2025 during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow.
The authorities have long launched an investigation into this matter. Concerns grew higher with the third Tejas LCA crash.
IAF Grounds Entire Tejas Fleet
Reports confirm that the IAF is grounding all operational Tejas aircraft as a necessary precautionary measure. Not only will it be better for safer operation, but it will also give the officials the right time to conduct inspections and review protocols before resuming regular flight operations.
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Note that experts stress that all fighter jet programs worldwide are experiencing such incidents during the development and deployment phase. However, for now, the IAF has grounded the flights to address technical and structural issues.
More importantly, it is to prevent similar instances in the future. Interestingly, the IAF is still awaiting two of the remaining orders of eight Tejas trainer aircraft (180 LCA Mk1A aircraft) by HAL.
The Mk1A variant has advanced avionics, improved radar systems, and enhanced combat capability. This could significantly improve India’s fighter jet program, but HAL is behind on deliveries.
According to expert opinions, supply chain and technical integration challenges are causing the delay.