New Delhi, February 2026 — The Indian Air Force (IAF) has reportedly grounded its entire fleet of Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) following a serious “runway overshoot” incident involving a single-seat fighter jet.

While the incident occurred on February 7, 2026, details have only recently emerged, sparking a significant conflict of narratives between the IAF and the manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The Incident: Routine Training Gone Wrong

During a routine training sortie at a frontline airbase—the exact location of which remains classified—a single-seat Tejas fighter jet failed to stop within the designated runway limits upon landing. Preliminary reports suggest a critical brake failure or a malfunction in the landing gear system.

The pilot successfully ejected using the emergency feature and is reported to be safe. However, the aircraft itself sustained significant damage, with some sources indicating that the structural impact was so severe that the jet may be beyond repair.

IAF’s Response: Precautionary Grounding

In a move that underscores the gravity of the situation, the IAF has grounded all 30 single-seat Tejas aircraft currently in its fleet. This “fleet-wide grounding” is a standard safety protocol in military aviation when a systemic technical failure is suspected.

The IAF’s technical teams are now conducting a thorough inspection of every aircraft, focusing on:

• Brake Systems and hydraulic lines.
• Landing Gear mechanics.
• Flight Control Software that manages take-off and landing safety.

HAL’s Counter: “A Minor Technical Incident”

Contrasting the IAF’s cautious approach, HAL has issued a statement downplaying the event. The manufacturer denied reports of a “crash,” labeling it a “minor technical incident” on the ground rather than a major structural failure.

HAL emphasizes that the Tejas still maintains a strong safety record overall. However, the discrepancy in tone between the operator (IAF) and the manufacturer (HAL) highlights the high stakes surrounding India’s flagship indigenous fighter program.

A Spate of Recent Setbacks

This incident is the third major event involving the Tejas in under two years, raising questions about the platform’s reliability:

• March 2024: A Tejas crashed in Jaisalmer (pilot ejected safely).
• November 2025: A tragic crash during the Dubai Air Show resulted in the loss of a pilot.
• February 2026: The current runway overshoot incident.

Strategic and Operational Impact

The grounding of 30 jets significantly impacts the IAF’s operational readiness. With the force already struggling to maintain its mandated squadron strength—falling well below the required 42 squadrons—losing two squadrons worth of aircraft to inspections creates a critical gap in India’s air defense capabilities.

Furthermore, these recurring technical issues could affect the global export potential of the Tejas and the upcoming delivery of the more advanced Tejas MK1A variant.

Bottom Line

The Tejas program is the centerpiece of India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative. While HAL seeks to protect the jet’s reputation for the export market, the IAF’s decision to ground the fleet prioritizes pilot safety and technical integrity. The speed and transparency of the ongoing investigation will be crucial in restoring confidence in India’s premier indigenous fighter.