'Minor incident on ground': HAL dismisses Tejas 'crash' reports; defends safety record of jet
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 23, 2026
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has clarified that reports of a Tejas light combat aircraft crash were overstated, referring to the incident as a "minor technical issue" on the ground. The company emphasized that there was no major damage to the aircraft or any crash involving it. HAL assured the public that the event in question did not involve significant harm and that the pilot had safely ejected following an overshot runway due to suspected brake failure at a frontline airbase on February 7.
The statement comes after earlier media reports claimed that the Tejas jet sustained major airframe damage during the incident, which occurred when the aircraft overshot the runway. While HAL dismissed these claims, it acknowledged the need for thorough analysis of the issue in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF). The company stressed that the Tejas maintains one of the world’s best safety records among contemporary fighter jets.
The Tejas has been involved in two prior incidents: a crash near Jaisalmer in March 2024 and another during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025. Despite these past events, HAL continues to highlight the aircraft's capabilities, including its role in high-threat environments for air defense, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions.
The incident has raised questions about the challenges faced by HAL in delivering Tejas Mk-1A jets to the IAF. Contracts worth Rs 48,000 crore and Rs 62,370 crore have been signed with HAL for the procurement of 83 and 97 additional Tejas Mk-1A jets, respectively. However, delays in deliveries have been primarily attributed to GE Aerospace’s failure to meet
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026