Another big loss for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Earlier this month, a Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) veered off the runway during landing, causing serious damage to the aircraft’s airframe. The pilots came out safely, but the plane was damaged. This is the third major accident involving Tejas, after which the IAF has grounded its entire fleet of about 30 single-seat Tejas aircraft. Extensive technical investigation is underway for investigation.
Loss of how many crores due to loss of one Tejas?
The unit cost of Tejas Mk-1A has increased significantly based on recent large orders. In 2025, the government had decided to buy 97 Tejas Mk-1A from HAL, the total cost of which was Rs 62,370 crore. With this, the average cost of each aircraft comes to Rs 640-650 crore. In the earlier order, this price was around Rs 550-600 crore, but now it has become higher due to increase in engine (GE F404), foreign exchange rate and other costs.
When and how did the accident happen?
This accident happened on 7 February 2026 at a forward front airbase. The aircraft was returning from a training sortie when it veered off the runway during landing due to suspected brake failure and fell into a ditch. The pilot ejected safely and suffered no serious injuries.
This is the third accident of Tejas:
- First: Crash near Jaisalmer in March 2024.
- Second: Crash during the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, in which the pilot died.
- Third: This landing accident occurred in February 2026.
These three incidents are raising questions on the Tejas programme, especially when HAL is facing delays in the delivery of Tejas Mk-1A. The estimated cost of the planes damaged in three accidents is around Rs 2 thousand crores.
- If the average cost of each aircraft is considered to be Rs 640 crore, then the total loss of all three can be around Rs 1,920 crore.
- If some of these were Mk-1A, the losses may have been greater, as newer versions are expensive.
This is just the price of the plane. In this, the cost of training, maintenance, spare parts and operational effects are added separately. The total investment on Tejas program so far is thousands of crores and such accidents are a big blow to the defense sector of self-reliant India.
What action did IAF take after the accident?
Following the accident, the IAF has grounded all operational single-seat Tejas (about 30) as a precaution. They will not fly until the investigation is completed. HAL and ADA (Aeronautical Development Agency) are also involved in the investigation. Experts say that there may be some technical flaw in the brake system or landing gear, but it will become clear only after the report comes.
Tejas is India’s first indigenous fighter jet, which is replacing old aircraft like MiG-21. The IAF has so far inducted more than 40 Tejas and has ordered 180 Mk-1A. But continued accidents could affect export prospects and domestic confidence. HAL shares also fell by more than 2% after this news.
