- By Yashashvi Tak
- Mon, 23 Feb 2026 03:41 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Tejas Aircraft Crash News: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Monday dismissed reports of a crash involving a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, terming the event a "minor technical incident" that occurred on the ground. The clarification came after media reports stated that a Tejas fighter jet sustained major airframe damage on February 7 when it overshot the runway at a frontline airbase, reportedly following a brake malfunction, while returning from a routine training mission.
HAL acknowledges the recent media reports on the LCA Tejas incident and wishes to provide factual clarification. There has been no reported crash of the LCA Tejas. The event in question was a minor technical incident on ground.
— HAL (@HALHQBLR) February 23, 2026
Earlier, PTI reported citing sources that the pilot ejected safely without injuries. In the aftermath of the incident, the force temporarily grounded its fleet of nearly 30 single-seat Tejas aircraft to conduct comprehensive technical checks.
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Earlier Incidents
A Tejas fighter jet crashed near Jaisalmer in March 2024. The second incident occurred during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, in which the pilot lost his life.
About Tejas Fighter
1. HAL Tejas was designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
2. It is a single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft built to operate in high-threat air environments.
3. The jet is capable of performing air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions.
4. The Indian Air Force currently operates around 30 Tejas aircraft.
5. In February 2021, the Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 48,000 crore contract with HAL to procure 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets for the IAF.
In September last year, the Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 62,370 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the acquisition of 97 Tejas Mk-1A light combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The indigenously developed Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role fighter built to operate in high-threat conditions and carry out air defence, maritime surveillance, and strike missions.