IAF grounds entire Tejas fleet after runway overshoot incident

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has temporarily grounded its entire fleet of around 30 single‑seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas jets for detailed maintenance and technical checks, following an incident earlier this month in which one aircraft was damaged after overshooting a runway at a frontline airbase.

The episode occurred on 7 February when a Tejas was returning from a routine training sortie. Reports suggest the jet may have experienced a suspected brake failure, causing it to overshoot the runway. The pilot safely ejected without injury.

As a precautionary measure, the IAF has ordered comprehensive inspections of key aircraft systems across the fleet to identify any potential technical issues and ensure operational safety before normal flying resumes.

HAL Denies Crash, Calls It a Technical Glitch

The jet’s manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), clarified that the event was a “minor technical incident on the ground” and emphasised that there was no crash of the aircraft.

HAL also stated that the Tejas maintains one of the world’s best safety records among contemporary fighter aircraft and that the matter is being analysed thoroughly as part of standard procedures in close coordination with the IAF.

Programme Under Scrutiny Amid Delays

The development comes at a time of increased scrutiny of the Tejas programme, particularly delays in delivery of the upgraded Tejas Mk‑1A variant to the IAF. Delivery timelines have been affected in part by missed deadlines from engine suppliers.

In February 2021, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth Rs 48,000 crore with HAL for 83 Mk‑1A jets, followed last year by another deal valued at Rs 62,370 crore for a further 97 aircraft. Deliveries have, however, lagged behind schedule.

About the Tejas

The Tejas is a single‑engine, multi‑role light combat aircraft designed for air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike missions. It is capable of operating in high‑threat environments and forms a key part of India’s indigenous fighter fleet.