Mon Feb 23 05:04:32 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Indian Air Force Grounds Tejas Fleet After Third Accident in Two Years

The Story:

A Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) sustained major damage after overshooting the runway at a frontline airbase on February 7, 2026, due to a suspected brake failure. The pilot ejected safely. This incident, the third involving the Tejas LCA in less than two years, has prompted the IAF to ground its entire fleet of approximately 30 single-seat Tejas jets for extensive technical scrutiny. The accident occurred as the aircraft was returning from a training sortie.

Key Points:

  • The incident occurred on February 7, 2026, at a frontline airbase.
  • The accident involved a Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) overshooting the runway due to suspected brake failure.
  • The pilot ejected safely.
  • This is the third accident involving the Tejas LCA; the first occurred in March 2024 near Jaisalmer, and the second in November 2025 at the Dubai Airshow.
  • The IAF has grounded the entire fleet of approximately 30 single-seat Tejas jets.
  • The incident occurs amidst delays in the supply of Tejas Mark 1A variants from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to the IAF.
  • The Defence Ministry has a ₹48,000 crore deal with HAL for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets (signed in February 2021) and another deal worth ₹62,370 crore to procure 97 Tejas MK-1A light combat aircraft (signed in September 2025).
  • Delivery delays are primarily attributed to GE Aerospace missing deadlines for aero engine supply.

Key Takeaways:

  • The recurring accidents involving the Tejas LCA raise serious concerns about the aircraft’s reliability and safety.
  • The grounding of the Tejas fleet will likely impact IAF’s operational readiness and training schedules.
  • Delays in deliveries from HAL and GE Aerospace are exacerbating the situation and hindering the IAF’s modernization efforts.
  • Increased scrutiny and rigorous quality control measures are essential to address the technical issues plaguing the Tejas program.
  • The timing of the accidents, amidst substantial procurement deals, underscores the need for efficient project management and timely execution in defense acquisitions.

Impact Analysis:

The repeated incidents involving the Tejas LCA could have several long-term implications:

  • Reputational Damage: The Tejas program, intended as a symbol of India’s indigenous defense capabilities, faces reputational damage both domestically and internationally. This could affect future export prospects.
  • Increased Scrutiny of HAL: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will face increased scrutiny regarding its manufacturing processes, quality control, and adherence to timelines. This could lead to stricter oversight and potential restructuring.
  • Re-evaluation of Procurement Strategy: The Ministry of Defence may need to re-evaluate its procurement strategy, potentially diversifying its sources of fighter aircraft to mitigate risks associated with relying heavily on a single platform.
  • Budgetary Implications: Addressing the technical issues and implementing corrective measures could lead to cost overruns and further delays in the Tejas program, potentially straining the defense budget.
  • Impact on National Security: If the issues are not resolved promptly, the reduced availability of fighter aircraft could negatively impact India’s air defense capabilities and overall national security posture.

    Read More

Related News: