An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas aircraft encountered a mishap during an operational training sortie near Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, where the pilot safely ejected moments before the crash. This incident, the first involving the indigenous LCA Tejas aircraft, highlights the strategic significance of this platform in India’s defense capabilities. Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the Tejas is a vital asset for air combat, offensive air support, reconnaissance, and anti-ship operations.
A Court of Inquiry has been initiated to investigate the accident promptly, underscoring the IAF’s dedication to ensuring fleet safety and reliability. The crash site, located close to the Pokhran desert during the ‘Bharat Shakti’ military exercise, saw swift response efforts with no casualties or property damage reported.
The Tejas aircraft, symbolizing India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense manufacturing, is a product of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program initiated in 1984 under the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). While incidents like this emphasize the risks inherent in training and operations, they also showcase the effectiveness of safety measures and the skillful training provided to IAF personnel.
This event follows a recent incident involving a Hawk trainer aircraft in West Bengal, where both pilots ejected safely before a crash near Kalaikunda Air Force Station. As investigations into the Jaisalmer crash progress, the IAF remains resolute in upholding operational readiness and safety standards across its fleet to safeguard personnel and assets in service of national defense.
