A Tejas light fighter jet crashed in early February 2026 during a landing after a training flight at an Indian Air Force base.
The information was published by The Economic Timeswho cited his own sources related to the defense sector.
The pilot was able to successfully abandon the plane and was not seriously injured. According to initial reports, the plane suffered significant structural damage and is apparently out of service.
The Indian Air Force has launched an official investigation and comprehensive inspections of the entire fleet.
Ukraine hit two Be-12 amphibious aircraft in Crimea using attack drones
Germany is transferring technology to Israel as part of the next-generation submarine project
American fighter jets intercepted Russian bombers near Alaska
Today, India operates about 32 fighter jets Tejas Mk-1. The accident happened in the single-seat configuration of theLCA (Light Combat Aircraft).
This is the third loss in a relatively small fleet, which increases the pressure on the program.
Recent history of incidents
The new accident joins two other significant events:
On March 12, 2024, a Tejas aircraft crashed near Jaisalmer during a training flight; Even in this case the pilot managed to abandon safely.
On November 21, 2025, during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, a Tejas crashed after entering an uncontrolled low-altitude dive. The accident was fatal for the pilot and raised international questions about the reliability of the platform.
The disaster in Dubai particularly damaged the plane’s export image.
A report indicates structural deficiencies
An audit by the Comptroller General of India (CAG) identified 53 significant deficiencies in the Mark-I version that directly affect operational capability. Among the main points:
- Excess weight and limited thrust, which impair speed and maneuverability.
- Inadequate protection of the cockpit and fuel system.
- Internal limitations prevented the full installation of self-defense systems.
- The actual localization rate of components is estimated at only 35%, compared to the 70% initially declared.
- External dependence deepens vulnerabilities.
The high dependence on foreign components is another sensitive factor. After the development of the indigenous Kaori engine was completed, the program began to rely on the F404 and F414 engines of General Electric.
Between 2024–2025, supply chain delays in the United States delayed the delivery of F404 engines by more than two years, directly affecting production schedules.
In 2025 she decided HAL To equip 83 Mk1A aircraft with the Israeli EL/M-2052 radar manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), instead of the Indian Uttam radar. The decision created new challenges:
The source code remains under Israeli control.
Integration problems with the Indian Astra Mk1 missile.
An experiment conducted in March 2025 failed due to a malfunction in data synchronization between the radar and the armament.
Strategic plan under review
The Tejas is a key component of India’s modernization strategy and industrial independence in the aerospace sector. However, recent incidents, production delays and technical difficulties are reigniting the debate on technological maturity, industrial management and external dependence.
The investigation into the latest accident will determine whether it is an operational failure, human error or a systemic problem – a conclusion that may directly affect the rate of production and international confidence in the program.
Source and photos: economictimes | Wikimedia. This content is generated with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial team.
