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Tejas Mk1A

IAF Tejas Aircraft Suffers Landing Damage In Third Incident Since 2024 SEO DES: Reportedly, while returning from training mission the aircraft had a landing issue, veered off the runway but the pilot ejected safely without serious injuries SOCIAL: An Indian Air Force HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft sustained significant damage during a training sortie on February 7, 2026, after a landing issue led to a runway excursion. The pilot ejected safely without serious injuries, and no casualties were reported on the ground. The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry and initiated technical inspections across sections of the fleet, marking the third Tejas-related incident since 2024. The aircraft programme remains central to India’s combat fleet modernisation plans, including induction of the upgraded Mk1A variant. New Delhi, India: An Indian Air Force (IAF) HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft sustained significant damage during a training sortie on February 7, 2026, after encountering a problem while landing at a frontline air base, PTI reported. This marks the third incident involving a Tejas aircraft in recent years, following the March 2024 accident near Jaisalmer and the November 2025 Dubai Airshow crash. The aircraft had completed a routine training mission when it experienced an issue on approach and rollout, leading to a runway excursion. The pilot ejected safely as a precautionary measure and escaped without serious injuries. Authorities confirmed that the fighter suffered substantial damage to its airframe, though there were no reports of casualties on the ground. Following the incident, the IAF ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the precise cause. Technical teams have begun detailed examinations of the aircraft’s systems, including landing and braking mechanisms, to establish whether the incident stemmed from a mechanical malfunction, systems anomaly, or another operational factor. As part of established safety protocols, the service has also initiated comprehensive checks across sections of the Tejas fleet to rule out any systemic concerns. The Tejas programme, developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), remains central to the IAF’s fleet modernisation efforts. The latest runway incident comes at a time when the force is progressing with induction plans for the upgraded Mk1A variant, even as production timelines and technical milestones remain under close review. Additionally, on February 5, 2026, industry reports confirmed that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) did not progress to the next stage of India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) stealth fighter programme after failing to clear the initial technical evaluation. This move marks a significant shift in the execution model of the project, which aims to deliver India’s first indigenous fifth-generation combat aircraft. This is the first occasion that HAL, a state-owned aerospace and defence manufacturer, will not lead or participate in the prototype phase of one of India’s flagship combat aircraft programmes, emphasising a strategic pivot toward private sector leadership in high-technology defence projects. Previous Incidents Involving Tejas March 12, 2024 – Near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan On March 12, 2024, a Tejas aircraft crashed during an operational sortie near Jaisalmer. The pilot ejected safely. The incident marked the first accident involving the aircraft since its induction into service and led to a technical investigation. November 21, 2025 – Dubai Airshow On November 21, 2025, a Tejas aircraft participating in an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow was involved in a fatal accident during a manoeuvre at low altitude. The pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, was killed. A Court of Inquiry was instituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

IAF Tejas Aircraft Suffers Landing Damage In Third Incident Since 2024

Aviation Today News Desk / February 23, 2026

New Delhi, India: An Indian Air Force (IAF) HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft sustained significant damage during a training sortie […]

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A HAL Tejas combat fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on Friday afternoon during a demonstration sortie at the Dubai Airshow, triggering an immediate response from emergency crews and prompting organisers to suspend flying displays for the day. The crash occurred at approximately 2:10 pm local time at Al Maktoum International Airport, where the biennial event is being held. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft lose control mid-maneuver before descending rapidly and erupting into flames. Thick black smoke was visible from several parts of the airshow grounds. The Indian Air Force confirmed that the pilot tragically lost his life in the crash. Authorities responded immediately at the scene, and airshow organisers suspended flying displays for the day. The accident follows an online speculation after videos circulated on 18 November 2025, claiming an aircraft had leaked oil during pre-flight ground operations. On 20th November2025, India’s Press Information Bureau, citing technical inputs, dismissed the claims and clarified that the fluid seen in videos was condensed water drained from the aircraft’s Environmental Control System (ECS) and On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS) both of which routinely expel moisture in hot, humid conditions like Dubai. The Ministry of Defence also termed the online posts “fake”, accusing certain accounts of attempting to discredit the made-in-India fighter. India had positioned the Tejas as a highlight of its participation at the Dubai Airshow, aiming to demonstrate its indigenous fighter programme to potential export customers. The crash is expected to draw scrutiny from aviation regulators, technical evaluators and defence analysts. Experts say the outcome of the investigation particularly whether the cause was mechanical, environmental or pilot-related will influence future display permissions and export prospects. A joint inquiry involving UAE aviation authorities, the Indian Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is expected to begin shortly. Access to the crash site has been restricted, and debris recovery operations are underway. Airshow organisers briefly halted public movement in open areas after the incident and redirected visitors to indoor exhibition halls. On 12 March 2024, a Tejas light combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan during an operational training sortie, marking the first crash of the indigenous jet in its 23-year history. The pilot ejected safely, and although the aircraft crashed into a building, there were no civilian injuries.

Aircraft Crashes

IAF Tejas Crashes At Dubai Airshow; Pilot Killed, Flying Displays Suspended

Aviation Today News Desk / November 21, 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A HAL Tejas combat fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on Friday afternoon during

A tragic incident unfolded during a night training mission when an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Jamnagar, Gujarat, resulting in the death of one pilot while another sustained serious injuries. The aircraft, which took off from Jamnagar Air Force base, encountered a technical malfunction mid-flight, forcing both pilots to eject. While one pilot was safely rescued and is receiving medical treatment, the other succumbed to his injuries. This accident adds to growing concerns over the ageing Jaguar fleet, as it follows a similar crash near Ambala just a day earlier. The IAF has launched an inquiry into the cause of the incident, emphasizing the need for urgent modernization of its aircraft.

Accidents, Airplane Crashes

Indian Air Force Jaguar Crashes in Gujarat, One Pilot Dead, Another Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / April 3, 2025

Gujarat, INDIA: In a tragic accident, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar two-seater fighter aircraft crashed during a night training

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