Indian Air Force suspends Tejas fighter jet operations after runway crash

India’s Air Force has decided to temporarily suspend operations of approximately 30 Tejas single-seat fighter jets. The reason is a serious incident that occurred in mid-February at one of the military airbases. According to available information, a failure of the braking system led to fatal safety consequences.

Details of the Runway Crash

The accident specifically happened on February 7th, when an Indian Tejas fighter jet, during landing or takeoff, crashed. The brake failure caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and sustain severe structural damage. Although the pilot safely ejected and was unharmed, the aircraft itself was almost completely damaged, and repairs are deemed technically unfeasible.

Need for a Comprehensive Technical Inspection

The decision to halt all operations of this type of fighter jet is not superficial — it aims to conduct a thorough and comprehensive technical review of the entire fleet. The Indian Air Force needs to determine whether this is an isolated incident or a systemic issue with the braking systems. Such an inspection is essential for pilot safety and maintaining confidence in the flying quality of military equipment.

Impact on Indian Military Capabilities

The Tejas fighter jets are a key pillar of India’s modern defense capabilities. They are the first domestically produced supersonic fighters, which are crucial for the country’s independence in military aviation technology. The temporary suspension of this fleet’s operations will inevitably weaken the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force, at least in the short term. The duration of the inspection will be critical for a swift return of these vital fighter jets to service.