This article summarizes reporting by The Times of India.

Indian Air Force Grounds Tejas Fleet Following Runway Overshoot

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has grounded its entire fleet of Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) following a serious incident involving a runway overshoot at a frontline airbase. According to reporting by The Times of India, the accident resulted in major damage to the airframe, prompting an immediate suspension of flight operations for the indigenous fighter jet.

The incident, which occurred on February 7, 2026, marks a significant setback for the Tejas program. While the pilot ejected safely, the subsequent grounding of approximately 30 single-seat jets comes at a critical operational juncture for the IAF. Authorities have ordered a comprehensive technical review to rule out systemic failures before the fleet is cleared to fly again.

Incident Details and Immediate Response

The accident took place as the aircraft was returning from a routine training sortie. The Times of India reports that the jet sustained “major damage” after overshooting the runway. Preliminary information suggests the mishap may have been caused by a brake or onboard system failure upon landing.

In response to the crash, the IAF has initiated a Court of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate the precise cause. Until the inquiry provides clarity and the fleet undergoes technical scrutiny, all Tejas Mk-1 jets will remain on the ground. This precautionary measure is standard procedure to ensure pilot safety and airworthiness across the fleet.

“A Tejas light combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) sustained major damage to its airframe after it overshot the runway…”

, The Times of India

Impact on Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026

The timing of the grounding presents a logistical challenge for the IAF. The service is currently preparing for Vayu Shakti 2026, a major firepower demonstration scheduled for February 27 at the Pokhran Range in Jaisalmer. The Tejas fleet was expected to participate alongside Rafale and Su-30MKI fighters. With the fleet currently grounded for checks, the participation of the indigenous fighter in this high-profile exercise remains uncertain.

Safety Record and Program Context

While the Tejas program maintained a clean safety record during its long development phase, recent years have seen a troubling spike in incidents. This latest runway overshoot represents the third major Incident involving the platform in less than two years.

• February 7, 2026: Runway overshoot at a frontline airbase; pilot safe, aircraft damaged.
• November 2025: A crash occurred during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow, resulting in the loss of the pilot and the destruction of the aircraft.
• March 2024: The first-ever Tejas crash occurred near Jaisalmer during a training sortie; the pilot ejected safely.

Delays in the Mk-1A Variant

The operational strain on the IAF is compounded by industrial delays affecting the upgraded Tejas Mk-1A program. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has faced challenges in meeting delivery schedules, primarily due to Supply-Chain bottlenecks involving the F404-GE-IN20 engines from GE Aerospace. These delays have slowed the induction of new airframes needed to replace retiring MiG-21 squadrons.

AirPro News Analysis

The grounding of the Tejas fleet highlights the fragility of relying on a single indigenous supply chain that is still maturing. While the decision to ground the fleet is a prudent Safety measure, it underscores the pressure on the IAF’s combat readiness. With the older Soviet-era jets phasing out and the Mk-1A deliveries slipping, the IAF is facing a “capability gap” that places immense weight on the existing, limited number of operational Tejas airframes. If the technical review reveals a systemic braking fault, it could lead to a prolonged grounding, further stretching the IAF’s resources during a period of heightened operational tempo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the Tejas Accident?
Preliminary reports indicate a brake or onboard system failure caused the aircraft to overshoot the runway.

Was the pilot injured?
No, reports confirm the pilot ejected safely and did not sustain serious injuries.

How many Tejas jets are currently grounded?
The IAF has grounded its entire fleet of approximately 30 single-seat Tejas Mk-1 jets pending a technical review.

Will the Tejas fly in Vayu Shakti 2026?
Participation is currently in doubt. The fleet must be cleared by technical teams before the exercise scheduled for February 27, 2026.

Sources

• The Times of India