A Tejas light fighter jet crashed in early February 2026 during landing after a training flight at an Indian Air Force base.
The information was reported by The Economic Times, citing its own sources linked to the defense sector.
+ India Accelerates Regional Aviation Plan with Possible Local Assembly of the E175
The pilot successfully ejected and did not suffer serious injuries. According to preliminary reports, the aircraft sustained significant structural damage and will likely be decommissioned.
The Air Force has already launched formal investigations and inspections across the entire fleet.
India currently operates around 32 units of the Tejas Mk-1 version. The accident involved a single-seat configuration of the LCA (Light Combat Aircraft).
The episode marks the third recorded loss within a relatively small fleet, increasing pressure on the program.
Recent History of Incidents
The new crash adds to two other significant incidents:
On March 12, 2024, a Tejas crashed near Jaisalmer during a training flight; the pilot also ejected safely.
On November 21, 2025, during a demonstration at the Dubai Airshow, a Tejas crashed after entering an uncontrolled low-altitude dive. The accident was fatal for the pilot and sparked international questions about the platform’s reliability.
The Dubai crash, in particular, directly impacted the aircraft’s export image.
Audit Points to Structural Shortcomings
An audit by India’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) identified 53 significant shortcomings in the Mark-I version that directly affect operational capability. Key findings include:
- Excess weight and limited thrust, reducing speed and maneuverability.
- Insufficient protection of the cockpit and fuel system.
- Internal limitations that prevented full installation of self-defense systems.
- Actual component indigenization rate estimated at around 35%, below the 70% initially announced.
- External dependence deepens vulnerabilities.
Heavy reliance on foreign components is another sensitive factor. After the termination of development of the indigenous Kaveri engine, the program became dependent on General Electric F404 and F414 engines.
Between 2024 and 2025, supply chain delays in the United States postponed delivery of F404 engines by more than two years, directly affecting the production schedule.
In 2025, HAL decided to equip 83 Mk1A aircraft with the Israeli EL/M-2052 radar from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), replacing the Indian Uttam radar. The decision introduced new challenges:
Source code control remains under Israeli authority.
Integration issues with the Indian Astra Mk1 missile.
A test conducted in March 2025 failed due to a data synchronization problem between radar and weapon systems.
Strategic Program Under Scrutiny
The Tejas is a central pillar of India’s strategy for aerospace modernization and industrial self-reliance. However, recent incidents, production delays, and technical challenges have reignited debate over technological maturity, industrial management, and foreign dependence.
The investigation into the latest crash is expected to determine whether the cause was operational failure, human error, or a systemic issue — a conclusion that could directly influence production pace and international confidence in the program.
Source and images: economictimes | Wikimedia. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
