NEW DELHI — Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has formally dismissed media reports claiming that an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was involved in a crash earlier this month, clarifying that the episode was limited to a minor technical incident on the ground and did not involve any airborne accident.
In a statement issued on the social media platform X on Monday, the state-run aerospace manufacturer addressed reports that had circulated citing authoritative sources. Those initial reports claimed that on February 7, an IAF Tejas jet sustained significant structural damage after overshooting the runway at a frontline airbase, reportedly due to a suspected brake failure following a training sortie. It was further reported that the pilot ejected safely.
Responding to these claims, HAL stated: “HAL acknowledges the recent media reports on the LCA Tejas incident and wishes to provide factual clarification. There has been no reported crash of the LCA Tejas. The event in question was a minor technical incident on ground.”
The company emphasized that the aircraft did not suffer a crash and reiterated the platform’s safety record. “LCA Tejas maintains one of the world’s best safety records among contemporary fighter aircraft. As a standard operating procedure, the issue is being analysed in depth and HAL is working closely with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for a speedy resolution,” the statement added.
Following the February 7 incident, the IAF reportedly grounded its fleet of approximately 30 single-seat Tejas aircraft to conduct a comprehensive technical audit and safety inspection. The precautionary review is understood to be part of established operational protocols whenever a technical issue is reported, even if categorized as minor.
The February event comes after two previous accidents involving the Tejas platform. In March 2024, a Tejas aircraft crashed near Jaisalmer. A subsequent incident occurred in November 2025, when a Tejas jet crashed during an aerial demonstration at the Dubai Airshow. Both incidents were treated as separate events under their respective investigative processes.
The latest technical review is taking place amid ongoing delays in the delivery of the upgraded Tejas Mk-1A variant to the IAF. In February 2021, the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹48,000 crore contract with HAL for the procurement of 83 Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft. Deliveries under this contract have faced delays, largely attributed to GE Aerospace missing multiple deadlines for the supply of the aero engines that power the aircraft.
In addition to the 83-aircraft order, the Defence Ministry finalized another agreement in September last year worth ₹62,370 crore for the procurement of 97 more Tejas Mk-1A aircraft for the IAF, further expanding the planned fleet strength.
The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft is a single-engine, multi-role fighter designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and manufactured by HAL. The aircraft is configured to operate in high-threat environments and is capable of undertaking air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions.
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