HAL Dismisses Crash Claims, Calls Tejas Incident a ‘Minor Technical Issue’ on Ground

New Delhi | 23 Feb 2026 Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has firmly rejected media reports claiming that a Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed earlier this month. The company clarified that the incident being discussed was not a crash, but a minor technical incident that occurred on the ground. Responding to the reports, HAL said it was important to place the correct facts on record to avoid misinformation around the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. In an official statement shared on X, HAL 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 ground." The company also highlighted that the Tejas continues to maintain one of the best safety records among modern fighter aircraft currently in service. HAL added that, as per standard operating procedures, the issue is being thoroughly examined in coordination with the Indian Air Force to ensure a quick and effective resolution. Earlier reports by news agency and other media organisations had claimed that a Tejas aircraft suffered major damage after overshooting a runway at a frontline airbase during a training sortie on February 7. According to those reports, the aircraft reportedly faced a suspected brake failure while landing, which led to structural damage. Sources cited in the reports said the pilot ejected safely and was not injured. However, HAL has now categorised the incident as a ground-level technical issue, rejecting suggestions of a crash. The Tejas aircraft, designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and manufactured by HAL, is a single-engine, multi-role fighter built for high-threat combat environments. It is capable of carrying out air defence, strike missions and maritime reconnaissance. While this incident is being described as minor, it comes amid attention on the Tejas programme due to past accidents including a crash near Jaisalmer in March 2024 and another during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025. The Indian Air Force currently operates 30 Tejas jets, with the aircraft remaining a key part of India’s indigenous defence capability. HAL Dismisses Crash Claims, Calls Tejas Incident a ‘Minor Technical Issue’ on Ground Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has firmly rejected media reports claiming that a Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed earlier this month. The company clarified that the incident being discussed was not a crash, but a minor technical incident that occurred on the ground. Responding to the reports, HAL said it was important to place the correct facts on record to avoid misinformation around the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. In an official statement shared on X, HAL 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 ground." The company also highlighted that the Tejas continues to maintain one of the best safety records among modern fighter aircraft currently in service. HAL added that, as per standard operating procedures, the issue is being thoroughly examined in coordination with the Indian Air Force to ensure a quick and effective resolution. Earlier reports by news agency and other media organisations had claimed that a Tejas aircraft suffered major damage after overshooting a runway at a frontline airbase during a training sortie on February 7. According to those reports, the aircraft reportedly faced a suspected brake failure while landing, which led to structural damage. Sources cited in the reports said the pilot ejected safely and was not injured. However, HAL has now categorised the incident as a ground-level technical issue, rejecting suggestions of a crash. The Tejas aircraft, designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and manufactured by HAL, is a single-engine, multi-role fighter built for high-threat combat environments. It is capable of carrying out air defence, strike missions and maritime reconnaissance. While this incident is being described as minor, it comes amid attention on the Tejas programme due to past accidents including a crash near Jaisalmer in March 2024 and another during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025. The Indian Air Force currently operates 30 Tejas jets, with the aircraft remaining a key part of India’s indigenous defence capability.