No LCA Tejas crash occurred, clarifies HAL; confirms minor technical incident on ground

Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft designed for operations in high-threat environments, with capabilities spanning air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike missions.

• HAL denies LCA Tejas crash, calls it a minor ground incident
• IAF grounds Tejas jets for checks after runway overshoot incident
• HAL delays Tejas Mk-1A deliveries over engine supply issues

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Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), on Monday, dismissed reports of a crash involving the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. It clarified that the recent episode was a minor ground incident and not an aircraft crash.

"HAL acknowledges the recent media reports on the LCA Tejas incident and wishes to provide factual clarification. There has been no reported crash of the LCA Tejas. The event in question was a minor technical incident on ground," the company said in a statement issued Monday afternoon.

HAL added that the LCA Tejas maintains "one of the world’s best safety records among contemporary fighter aircraft". It further stated that the issue is being analysed in depth as per standard operating procedure.

The company also mentioned that it is working closely with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for a speedy resolution.

The state-run aerospace major's clarification comes after reports emerged on Sunday that a Tejas aircraft sustained significant airframe damage after overshooting the runway at a frontline airbase, allegedly following a suspected brake failure.

According to sources cited by PTI, the pilot had ejected safely. The aircraft was returning to base after a routine training sortie when the incident occurred.

Following the episode, the IAF grounded its fleet of around 30 single-seat Tejas jets to conduct extensive technical checks.

The development has, however, hurt investor sentiment, with HAL shares plummeting more than 3% in the day's trading session.

Notably, the latest incident marks the third accident involving a Tejas aircraft in recent years.

In March 2024, a Tejas jet had crashed near Jaisalmer during an operational sortie. Another crash occurred in November 2025 during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow.

Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft designed for operations in high-threat environments, with capabilities spanning air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike missions.