The Indian Air Force has initiated a comprehensive grounding of its entire Tejas light combat aircraft fleet following a third significant incident within a two-year period. The preventive measure comes after a February 7th training mission incident where the domestically manufactured fighter jet experienced a suspected brake failure upon returning to base, resulting in substantial airframe damage.
The single-seat aircraft, produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), overshot the runway during landing procedures. The pilot successfully ejected from the malfunctioning system and escaped without physical injuries. While official statements from the IAF remain pending, defense sources indicate that the grounding affects all 30 operational Tejas jets pending extensive technical evaluation and safety verification.
This latest incident marks the third safety concern involving the Tejas platform since its induction in 2015. The first occurrence was recorded in March 2024 in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, followed by a tragic November 2025 demonstration at the Dubai Airshow that resulted in pilot fatalities. The Dubai incident prompted an official statement from the IAF expressing profound regret and solidarity with the bereaved family.
Compounding these operational challenges, HAL faces significant production delays in fulfilling its 83-jet contract with the Air Force. Delivery schedules have reportedly fallen nearly two years behind primarily due to supply chain issues involving GE Aerospace, which provides the aircraft’s propulsion systems. The American manufacturer recently secured a $1 billion agreement in November 2025 to supply 113 F404 engines for the Tejas program.
The Tejas represents India’s flagship indigenous defense project—a single-engine, multirole fighter designed for high-threat environments with capabilities spanning air defense, maritime reconnaissance, and precision strike missions. The current fleet-wide grounding represents the most significant operational interruption since the aircraft’s commissioning into active service.