No crash of LCA, just a minor incident, analysing issue: HAL
Times of India
by SURENDRA SINGHFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the manufacturer of India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, has clarified that there was no crash involving a Tejas fighter jet as previously reported. Instead, the incident in question was described as a minor technical issue during landing following a routine training sortie at an Indian Air Force (IAF) base. HAL emphasized the safety record of the LCA Tejas, which it claims is among the best in the world for contemporary fighter aircraft. The company assured that the matter is being thoroughly analyzed and resolved in collaboration with the IAF.
Sources revealed that the minor incident occurred while a Tejas jet was landing after training exercises. Despite this, there were no injuries or fatalities, and the aircraft remained operational. HAL and the IAF are conducting extensive checks across the Tejas fleet to identify and address any potential issues. This proactive approach underscores the importance of maintaining high safety standards in India's defense aviation sector.
The clarification comes amid two previous crashes involving Tejas jets—one near Jaisalmer in March 2024 during a firepower demonstration, where the pilot successfully ejected, and another in November 2025 at the Dubai Airshow, which resulted in the loss of the pilot. These incidents have raised questions about the safety and reliability of India's indigenously developed fighter jets.
HAL's response highlights its commitment to upholding the Tejas' safety record and addressing concerns promptly. The collaboration between HAL and the IAF demonstrates a united effort to ensure the continued operational readiness of India's defense forces. As India aims to enhance its indigenous defense capabilities, incidents like these serve as reminders of the challenges in maintaining advanced military hardware.
The incident underscores the critical role of rigorous testing and maintenance in the aviation industry, particularly for countries developing their own defense systems. For readers interested in global defense and technological advancements, this story reflects India's growing emphasis on self-reliance in military aircraft production and its efforts to maintain a robust air force.
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026