The Indian Air Force (IAF) has suffered another setback after a Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was involved in an accident earlier this month, prompting fresh investigations and technical checks across the fleet.
Sources said the incident took place at a key air base during landing, after the aircraft had completed a routine training sortie. Initial findings suggest a possible technical malfunction, with indications of a failure in onboard systems. The jet reportedly sustained heavy airframe damage and may eventually be written off.
The pilot managed to eject in time and escaped without any serious injuries.
This marks the third loss of a Tejas aircraft since its induction into the IAF.
The first crash occurred near Jaisalmer in March 2024 when the fighter was returning from a firepower demonstration. The pilot had ejected safely in that case as well. The second incident happened during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025. The aircraft crashed during the event, and the pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, lost his life after sustaining fatal injuries. An investigation into that crash is still ongoing.
The latest mishap comes at a time when the Tejas Mk1A programme is already facing delays. Deliveries are said to be nearly two years behind schedule, even though the IAF has placed orders for 180 Mk1A fighters.
So far, the IAF has not released any official statement regarding the recent accident.
Following the Dubai crash last year, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan had said he “deeply regrets” the incident, expressing condolences over the loss of the pilot.