IAF grounds entire Tejas fleet after runway incident; court of inquiry ordered
The decision comes after a Tejas jet skidded off the runway while taking off from a forward air base along the western sector on February 7
PTC Web Desk: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has temporarily grounded its entire fleet of 35 Tejas light combat aircraft for detailed technical inspections following a runway incident earlier this month, sources have confirmed.
The decision comes after a Tejas jet skidded off the runway while taking off from a forward air base along the western sector on February 7. The aircraft reportedly veered off course during acceleration and slid into a mud embankment adjacent to the runway. The pilot of the single-seat fighter sustained injuries but is out of danger.
As the exact cause of the incident remains unclear, the IAF has initiated comprehensive checks across all operational Tejas aircraft. Technical teams are examining critical systems, including the metallurgy of the landing gear assembly, the electromagnetic braking mechanism and onboard software systems, to rule out any systemic fault.
At the time of the incident, the aircraft was gathering speed for take-off, which typically exceeds 170 kmph. Officials said a detailed operational review is underway to ensure flight safety before the fleet resumes flying.
While the Air Force has yet to issue a formal public statement on the grounding, a Court of Inquiry has been constituted to establish the precise cause of the runway excursion. Preliminary inputs suggest the aircraft involved may suffer extensive structural damage, and there is a possibility it could be declared beyond economic repair.
This is the third incident involving a Tejas aircraft since its induction into service in 2016. The first occurred near Jaisalmer in March 2024 during a post-demonstration sortie, where the pilot ejected safely. The second mishap took place during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, resulting in the death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal.
Meanwhile, manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has described the February 7 episode as a “technical incident on the ground” rather than a crash. In its statement, HAL said the matter was being thoroughly analysed in accordance with standard operating procedures and that it was working in close coordination with the IAF to address the issue at the earliest.
HAL has also maintained that the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas platform has one of the strongest safety records among contemporary fighter jets worldwide.
Out of the 40 Tejas jets initially ordered, 35 are currently in active service, while two aircraft remain to be delivered. In addition, the IAF is awaiting the induction of 180 Tejas Mark 1A jets, though deliveries have reportedly been delayed by nearly two years.
Further details are expected once the Court of Inquiry submits its findings.