HAL’s clarification on Tejas accident: Said- “It was a minor technical fault on the ground”

Government aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has denied the news of the alleged crash of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, calling it a minor technical incident on the ground. This clarification comes at a time when the Air Force (IAF) is preparing for a critical evaluation of the Tejas Mk1A variant in April. Earlier news had come out that 30 single seater LCA Tejas flights have been stopped by the Air Force.

“HAL acknowledges the recent media reports on the LCA Tejas incident and wishes to clarify. There is no news of LCA Tejas crash. The incident in question was a minor technical incident on the ground,” HAL said in a statement released on Twitter. The company also said that the safety record of HAL Tejas is one of the best in the world among contemporary fighter aircraft and the matter is being thoroughly analyzed in collaboration with the IAF as per standard procedure.

However, after the crash of another Tejas aircraft earlier this month, the Air Force has intensified technical checks of the entire fleet. This is the third time that the news of loss of Tejas aircraft has come to light. In the recent incident the aircraft suffered serious damage while landing after a training flight at an operational airbase. Initial assessments suggest a possible technical glitch in the onboard systems. The pilot ejected safely and was not seriously injured.

The first accident occurred near Jaisalmer in March 2024, while the second incident occurred in November 2025 during an aerobatic display during the Dubai Airshow, in which the pilot died. The investigation into that matter is still going on. The Air Force will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Tejas Mk1A in April, after which a decision on its final induction will be taken.

The evaluation requires complete confirmation of three important capabilities. Completion and certification of air-to-air and air-to-ground missile firing tests. Full integration and validation of the radar and onboard electronic warfare suite. End-to-end validation of the weapon delivery system and fire-control architecture. These elements form the backbone of the Mk1A’s combat capability and no relaxation is possible.

Let us tell you that the Tejas Mk1A program is running with a delay of about two years. HAL has attributed the delay mainly to disruption in engine supply. The Air Force has ordered 180 Mk1A fighters and is currently awaiting their induction amid pressure on squadron numbers.

HAL has tried to downplay immediate concerns by dismissing recent crash reports. However, a definitive picture on the future of the Tejas Mk1A will be clear only after the evaluation in April, when the Air Force will take a final call on the balance between operational requirement and combat parameters.

Also read:

Jammu and Kashmir: Indian Army killed 7 dangerous terrorists in high-altitude operation!

Gayatri Parivar’s two-day mega book fair concludes!

Two policemen found dead after being shot near Pakistan border, TTH took responsibility