A HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed while landing after completing a training mission at an Indian Air Force base in February 2026. The aircraft went down during the landing phase, causing serious damage.
The pilot acted quickly and safely ejected from the jet. He used his parachute and escaped without major injuries. While the pilot is safe, the aircraft has reportedly suffered heavy damage and may not be repairable.
After the crash, the Indian Air Force immediately started an investigation to find out what caused the accident. Officials have also ordered detailed inspections of all Tejas jets currently in service. These checks are being carried out to ensure there are no technical problems across the fleet.
This latest incident has raised concerns because similar crashes have happened before. In 2024, a Tejas jet crashed near Jaisalmer. Another accident took place during the Dubai Airshow in 2025, which resulted in the loss of a pilot’s life.
Defense experts say repeated incidents may affect confidence in the aircraft’s reliability. The Tejas is an important part of India’s locally developed defense program, so ensuring its safety and performance is critical.
Authorities are expected to carefully review the findings of the investigation and take necessary steps to improve safety standards and prevent future accidents.
