In a developing incident, a Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) suffered severe damage during a routine landing earlier this month, with the pilot ejecting safely. The IAF has launched an investigation into the incident, but has yet to release an official statement.
Sources indicate the crash occurred at a key air base during a training sortie in an operational area. Preliminary assessments suggest a technical malfunction, possibly involving onboard systems failure, as the cause of the mishap.
This incident marks the latest in a series of Tejas crashes. The first occurred near Jaisalmer in March 2024, when the aircraft was returning from a firepower demonstration; the pilot ejected safely. The second was during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, where the pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, tragically lost his life after the jet crashed and burst into flames.
The ongoing series of accidents has raised concerns amid delays in the Tejas Mk1A program, which has faced nearly two-year delays despite orders for 180 fighters from the IAF.
Horrific footage from the Dubai Airshow showed the aircraft plunging and engulfing in flames, with Syal unable to eject safely before the crash.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan expressed his regret over the incident, stating that the IAF is committed to thorough investigations to determine the cause of the crashes.
