New Delhi: Light combat aircraft (LCA) manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has denied reports of a crash involving a Tejas fighter jet earlier this month. The Defense PSU issued a clarification on X on Monday saying: “There are no reports of crash of LCA Tejas fighter aircraft. The incident in question was a small technical incident on the ground. “HAL has no doubts about the safety record of the domestic jet and further said, “LCA Tejas maintains one of the best safety records in the world among contemporary fighter jets. The issue is being analyzed in depth as a standard operating procedure and HAL is working closely with the IAF to resolve the issue expeditiously.”Sources told TOI that a Tejas fighter jet encountered a “minor incident” while landing after a routine training flight at an Indian Air Force base but “did not crash”. “Following this minor incident, the Indian Air Force is conducting extensive inspections of Tejas aircraft in collaboration with Air India,” they said.So far, Tejas has been involved in only two crashes. The fighter jet suffered its first crash near Jaisalmer in March 2024 while returning from a firepower demonstration. The pilot successfully ejected. The second crash occurred during a stunt at the Dubai Air Show in November 2025, resulting in the death of the pilot.
