HAL denies Tejas crash reports, confirms minor ground technical issue. Pilot safe, IAF fleet unaffected as probe continues into February incident.
In an official clarification, HAL said misleading reports had created unnecessary concern about the safety of the Tejas fleet. (Photo: Social Media)
India’s indigenous fighter jet programme came under sharp public focus after reports claimed that a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas had crashed at a frontline airbase. The aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has firmly rejected those claims, stating that no crash took place and that the incident involved only a minor technical issue while the aircraft was on the ground.
In an official clarification, HAL said misleading reports had created unnecessary concern about the safety of the Tejas fleet. The company stressed that the aircraft continues to maintain one of the strongest safety records among modern fighter jets currently in service worldwide.
Addressing the reports, HAL released a statement on X to clear the air. The company said, “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 the ground.”
HAL added that engineers are examining the issue as part of routine safety protocols.
LCA Tejas maintains one of the world’s best safety records among contemporary fighter aircraft. As a standard operating procedure, the issue is being analysed in depth and HAL is working closely with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for a speedy resolution.
— HAL (@HALHQBLR) February 23, 2026
“As a standard operating procedure, the issue is being analysed in depth, and HAL is working closely with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for a speedy resolution.”
Earlier reports had suggested that an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas jet suffered serious damage after overshooting the runway during a training sortie on February 7. According to those accounts, the aircraft may have experienced a brake-related problem while landing, leading to a runway excursion.
Despite the damage to the airframe, the pilot safely ejected and did not sustain any injuries. HAL has since clarified that the aircraft did not crash and that the situation did not escalate beyond a ground-level technical issue.
The recent incident has reignited discussions around Tejas' safety, especially as it is the third reported mishap involving the aircraft since its induction in 2015.
HAL emphasised that each event has been investigated independently and that lessons learned have strengthened operational safety.
The LCA Tejas is India’s first indigenously designed supersonic fighter aircraft, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and manufactured by HAL. It is a single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft built to operate in high-threat environments.
Tejas can perform a wide range of missions, including air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and precision strike operations. Its modern avionics and lightweight design make it a key asset for the Indian Air Force.
Currently, the IAF operates 30 Tejas aircraft, with more scheduled to join the fleet as part of India’s broader push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
HAL’s statement aims to counter misinformation that could undermine confidence in India’s flagship fighter jet programme. Defence officials maintain that transparency and timely clarification remain crucial, especially as Tejas plays a growing role in the country’s air combat readiness.
