Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has dismissed media reports claiming a crash of an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet, stating that the incident was only a minor technical issue on the ground and that no major damage occurred.
HAL Refutes Crash Claims
In an official statement, HAL clarified that there was no crash involving the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The company described the event as a “minor technical incident on ground” and rejected reports suggesting significant airframe damage. HAL emphasized that it is conducting a detailed analysis of the issue as part of standard operating procedures and is working closely with the Indian Air Force to resolve the matter swiftly.
Safety Record of Tejas Highlighted
HAL reiterated that the LCA Tejas maintains one of the best safety records among contemporary fighter aircraft worldwide. The clarification followed earlier media reports claiming that a Tejas jet had overshot the runway at a frontline airbase on February 7, allegedly due to suspected brake failure. According to those reports, the pilot ejected safely.
Past Incidents and Procurement Details
The Tejas aircraft has been involved in two previous incidents. In March 2024, a Tejas jet crashed near Jaisalmer, and in November 2025, another aircraft crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow.
In February 2021, the Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 48,000 crore contract with HAL for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets for the IAF. However, deliveries have faced delays due to missed engine supply deadlines by GE Aerospace. In September last year, the defence ministry finalized an additional Rs 62,370 crore deal for 97 more Tejas Mk-1A aircraft.
Role and Capabilities of Tejas
The Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft designed to operate in high-threat environments. It is capable of carrying out air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions, forming a crucial component of the Indian Air Force’s modernization plans.
