IAF grounds Tejas jets entire fleet after three crashes reported in 2 years

New Delhi: After a loss of another Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) during a training sortie due to technical glitch, the entire fleet of Tejas light combat aircraft was grounded by Indian Air Force (IAF), according to media reports.

What is the reason of grounding?

According to sources, the incident, in which another Tejas fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was occurred earlier this month in the operational area of ​​a major airbase while the aircraft was landing after completing a routine training flight.

Around 30 single-seat Tejas jets have been withdrawn from operations to carry out an intensive technical probe.

Following the accident, the Indian Air Force has grounded its entire fleet of around 30 single-seat Tejas jets to carry out an intensive technical probe, news agency PTI reported.

What have investigations revealed?

As per the initial investigations, the assessment pointed to possible technical malfunction in an onboard system. 

The aircraft suffered serious structural damage in the accident. However, the pilot ejected safely and escaped unhurt. 

This is the third time a Tejas aircraft has crashed in two years.

The first Tejas crash happened in March 2024 while the jet was returning from a firepower demo near Jaisalmer, with the pilot surviving unhurt. The second incident occurred during the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, resulting in the death of the pilot, and an investigation is ongoing.

Why is the timing significant?

The latest accident comes at a time when the Tejas Mk-1A program for the Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing delays. Despite the Air Force having ordered 180 aircraft, delivery is reportedly delayed by nearly two years. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.