HAL denies Tejas crash, says it was minor technical snag on ground

HAL denies reports of Tejas crash, calling it a minor technical incident as IAF prepares for crucial Mk1A assessment in April. The focus remains on ensuring safety and combat readiness amid fleet losses and delays.

A day after reports suggested a crash of the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited moved swiftly to deny any such incident, calling it a “minor technical incident on ground” even as the Indian Air Force prepares for a crucial assessment of the delayed Tejas Mk1A variant in April.

In a post 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 added that the LCA Tejas “maintains one of the world’s best safety records among contemporary fighter aircraft” and that, as part of standard operating procedure, the issue is being analysed in depth in coordination with the IAF for a speedy resolution.

The clarification comes against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny within the Air Force after the loss of a third Tejas aircraft earlier this month, prompting enhanced technical checks across the existing fleet, according to sources.

Earlier this month, the IAF lost another Tejas fighter in an operational area at a key air base while the aircraft was landing after a routine training sortie. A preliminary assessment has pointed to a suspected technical glitch, possibly involving onboard systems failure.

The aircraft suffered severe airframe damage and may be written off. The pilot ejected safely and escaped without serious injury.