The Indian Air Force (IAF) has lost another Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in an accident, triggering investigations and extensive technical checks across the fleet.
According to sources, the incident took place earlier this month in an operational area at a key air base when the indigenously made fighter jet was landing after a routine training sortie. Preliminary assessment pointed to a suspected technical glitch, possibly involving a failure in onboard systems, the source said.
Following the accident, the Indian Air Force has grounded its entire fleet of around 30 single-seat Tejas jets to carry out an intensive technical probe, news agency reported.
The aircraft has suffered severe airframe damage and may be written off. The pilot, however, ejected safely and escaped without serious injury.
This is the third Tejas aircraft lost since induction into the IAF.
The first crash took place near Jaisalmer in March 2024 while the jet was returning from a firepower demonstration; the pilot had ejected safely. The second incident occurred during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, in which the pilot was killed. An investigation into that crash is still underway.
The latest accident comes amid delays in the Tejas Mk1A programme, with deliveries running nearly two years behind schedule despite the IAF placing orders for 180 Mk1A fighters. The MK1A is an upgraded version of the Tejas jets currently in service with the Indian Air Force.
The IAF has not yet issued any official statement on the latest incident.
