Tejas aircraft damaged after overshooting runway; IAF grounds fleet
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A Tejas light combat aircraft from the Indian Air Force (IAF) suffered significant damage after overshooting a runway at a frontline airbase. The pilot ejected safely following a suspected brake failure during training on February 7. As a result, the IAF has grounded its entire fleet of approximately 30 single-seat Tejas jets for an extensive technical review. This incident marks the third accident involving Tejas jets, with previous crashes occurring in March 2024 near Jaisalmer and November 2025 during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow.
The Tejas program has faced numerous challenges, including delays in engine supply from GE Aerospace and missed deadlines by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Despite this, the IAF continues to rely on Tejas for its light combat needs. In 2021, a Rs 48,000 crore deal was finalized for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets, and another Rs 62,370 crore contract was signed in September 2023 for an additional 97 jets.
This latest accident underscores the ongoing safety concerns surrounding the Tejas fleet. The grounding highlights the critical importance of ensuring aircraft reliability, particularly given the IAF's reliance on these jets for various roles, including air defense and maritime reconnaissance. The delays and accidents also raise questions about the efficiency of India's defense procurement processes and its partnerships with global suppliers.
Globally, this incident reflects the challenges inherent in military aviation, where safety and operational readiness are paramount. For readers interested in world and defense news, it illustrates the complexities faced by nations in maintaining advanced air forces and the potential consequences of technical and supply chain issues.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026