An Indian Air Force fighter jet, the locally developed Tejas aircraft, crashed during a training mission while attempting to land.
The pilot managed to eject safely using a parachute and did not suffer any serious injuries. However, the aircraft was badly damaged in the crash and is likely to be declared beyond repair.
Following the incident, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the company that manufactures the jet, and the Indian Air Force (IAF) have ordered a detailed investigation.
Officials have also decided to carry out a full technical inspection of all Tejas aircraft currently in service to check for any possible faults or safety concerns.
This is reported to be the third major accident involving the Tejas fighter jet in recent years. A previous crash occurred near Jaisalmer in March 2024, and another incident took place during the Dubai Air Show in November 2025. The Dubai crash sadly resulted in the death of a pilot.
Defense experts say that repeated accidents involving the Tejas program have raised questions about the aircraft’s reliability and overall maintenance standards. The Tejas is an important part of India’s effort to strengthen its locally built defense systems and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Specialists believe that while developing indigenous fighter jets is a significant achievement, ensuring consistent safety and operational performance is equally important.
Authorities are expected to carefully review the findings of the investigation to improve safety measures and prevent similar incidents in the future.
