IAF grounds Tejas fleet after February 7 crash

February 23, 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has grounded its entire fleet of Tejas light combat aircraft following a serious accident on February 7, 2026, involving one of the indigenous jets during a training sortie, officials and media reports confirmed on February 23, 2026. The precautionary move aims to conduct comprehensive technical inspections and ensure the safety and operational integrity of the aircraft.

The affected aircraft reportedly overshot the runway at a frontline airbase, sustaining significant structural damage to its airframe, possibly due to a suspected technical malfunction. The pilot ejected safely and did not suffer serious injuries, according to defence sources.

What Happened on February 7

Initial reports indicate that a Tejas jet, which was returning from a routine training mission, encountered trouble during landing or takeoff and veered off the runway. The aircraft exited into soft terrain, causing extensive damage that may lead to it being written off. This incident marks the third major Tejas mishap since the aircraft was inducted into IAF service over a decade ago.

In March 2024, a Tejas had crashed near Jaisalmer after a firepower demonstration the pilot safely ejected. Later, in November 2025, another jet crashed during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow, resulting in the death of the pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal. Investigations into that tragic crash are still ongoing.

Technical Inspections and Safety Focus

Following the February 7 incident, the IAF decided to suspend flying operations of all single-seat Tejas jets approximately 30 aircraft to facilitate detailed technical scrutiny and prevent any potential systemic issues from compromising flight safety. The inspections will examine both the specific aircraft involved and the wider fleet for any analogous risks.

Although the Air Force has not issued a public statement, defence analysts say such precautionary actions reflect a strong commitment to operational safety and methodical investigation practices, especially for key indigenous platforms like the Tejas.

Indigenous Tejas Programme Under Pressure

The Tejas is a lightweight, multi-role combat aircraft developed indigenously by India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It was designed to replace older fighters like the MiG-21 and enhance India’s self-reliance in defence aviation.

The recent crash adds pressure on the Tejas programme, which has already faced delivery delays for the more capable Tejas Mk1A variant. The delays have largely been attributed to engine supply bottlenecks particularly with GE Aerospace missing timelines for its F404 engines leading to a slower rollout of new jets despite large orders placed by the Ministry of Defence.

The IAF has ordered 180 Tejas Mk1A jets, but deliveries have lagged by nearly two years, with HAL struggling to meet production targets. A separate ₹62,370 crore contract was signed in September 2025 for 97 additional aircraft, indicating long-term commitment but underscoring current challenges.

Strategic Implications and Future Outlook

Grounding an entire fleet is a rare but serious step, typically taken to ensure no similar faults compromise other aircraft. Defence experts note that the Tejas programme while a symbol of indigenous capability and technological progress must resolve technical anomalies and build operator confidence as the IAF continues to modernise its combat fleet.

As the technical investigations proceed, the IAF will balance maintaining operational readiness with ensuring the highest safety standards. The grounding is expected to remain in effect until detailed inspections and corrective measures are completed.