The Indian Air Force (IAF) has lost another Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in an accident, with the pilot escaping safely, officials said. The incident occurred earlier this month at a key air base when the fighter aircraft was landing after a routine training sortie.
Sources indicated that the aircraft sustained extensive damage during the landing mishap and is likely to be written off. The pilot managed to eject safely and did not suffer any serious injuries. Following the incident, the IAF has initiated a detailed investigation and ordered comprehensive checks across the Tejas fleet to rule out systemic issues.
The aircraft involved was one of the 32 single-seat Tejas Mk1 fighters delivered to the IAF by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The accident comes at a time when the Air Force is awaiting the induction of the more advanced Tejas Mk1A variant, the deliveries of which have been delayed after missing multiple timelines. The IAF has placed orders for 180 Mk1A aircraft to bolster its fighter strength.
This is the third major accident involving the Tejas programme. In March 2024, an LCA crashed near Jaisalmer while returning from a firepower demonstration, with the pilot ejecting safely. The second incident occurred during the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, when a Tejas crashed during an aerobatic display, resulting in the death of the pilot. An inquiry into that crash is still underway.
While the Tejas remains a cornerstone of India’s indigenous fighter development programme, the latest incident has renewed scrutiny on operational safety and maintenance practices as the Air Force balances fleet availability with the urgent need for new inductions.
