India has grounded its entire fleet of domestically produced HAL Tejas fighter jets following an incident that occurred on February 7.
According to reports, the Indian Air Force has suspended operations of all 35 Tejas aircraft in service and initiated a comprehensive technical inspection.
The decision was taken after a single-seat Tejas aircraft skidded off the runway during takeoff from a forward base on the western front and fell into a nearby mud-filled ditch.
Reports indicate that 53 major technical deficiencies were identified in the aircraft following an audit.
At the time of the incident, the jet was accelerating for takeoff at a speed exceeding 170 km/h, and the pilot sustained injuries.
Indian media stated that the exact cause of the accident has not yet been determined, prompting authorities to order a detailed inspection of the entire fleet.
Since the Tejas entered service with the Indian Air Force in 2016, this marks its third major setback. Earlier, in March 2024, a Tejas aircraft crashed during a training flight in Jaisalmer. In November 2025, another accident occurred during the Dubai Airshow, resulting in the death of a wing commander.
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