The Indian Air Force has witnessed another crash of its Tejas fighter jet, leading to an immediate technical inquiry into the entire fleet. The incident occurred at a major airbase during a routine training flight when the aircraft was landing. Preliminary investigations have raised concerns regarding a possible technical malfunction in the onboard systems. Although the structure of the aircraft has suffered severe damage and it may be grounded for repairs, the pilot successfully ejected from the plane and has reportedly not sustained any serious injuries.

This marks the third incident involving the Tejas aircraft, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of the fleet. Previously, in March 2024, a Tejas jet crashed after returning from a firepower demonstration near Jaisalmer, but the pilot managed to escape unharmed. Another incident occurred in November 2025 during the Dubai Airshow, which resulted in the unfortunate death of the pilot, with investigations into that crash still ongoing. These repeated crashes put a spotlight on the aircraft’s design and technological robustness, prompting calls for a comprehensive review.

Additionally, this crash comes at a critical juncture as delays continue with the Tejas MK-1A program, which is supposed to deliver 180 aircraft over a timeline that has already extended by two years. These setbacks not only hamper the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force but also affect national defense capabilities. As the military evaluates the implications of these incidents, there is an urgent need to address the technical issues to prevent further accidents and ensure pilot safety.