IAF Loses Third Tejas Aircraft In Freak Accident

The Indian Air Force has lost only its third Tejas Light Combat Aircraft since its induction into the force about a decade ago in a freak accident earlier this month.

However, the loss of the third Tejas aircraft has resulted in the jets undergoing extensive checks, amidst an investigation ordered into the cause of the mishap.

The accident, according to Indian media reports, happened at a key air base hosting the Tejas squadrons while it was on a landing approach after a training sortie.

While the aircraft is said to have been damaged beyond recovery, the pilot emerged safe from that accident without any serious injuries, the report said.

The aircraft involved in this freak accident was part of the 32 single-engine Tejas jets delivered by HAL and operationalised by the IAF in two fighter squadrons.

The IAF is currently awaiting for over a year the delivery of the first set of the Tejas Mk1A aircraft by HAL.

Incidentally, since 2021, the IAF has placed a multi-billion dollar order for 180 Tejas Mk1A aircraft in two tranches of 83 and 97 jets.

The current accident of Tejas was preceded by the first crash of the aircraft in March 2024 when it was returning to base after a fire power demonstration in Pokhran ranges near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.

In the March 2024 crash, the pilot had ejected safely as the aircraft went down during its final landing approach.

The more notorious crash of Tejas took place on an international stage at the Dubai Air Show in November 2025.

The pilot of that ill-fated Tejas jet could not recover the aircraft or eject on time after a difficult roll during the flight demonstrations at the air show, leading to the deadly, fatal crash.

The Dubai Air Show crash garnered international attention and came as a setback for India in pitching the Tejas jets in the export market.