A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas belonging to the Indian Air Force crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on Tuesday during an operational training sortie. According to a statement from the Indian Air Force, the pilot safely ejected from the aircraft.
An immediate Court of Inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the accident. This marks the first incident of such nature involving the indigenously-built Tejas jet, officials confirmed. Despite the crash, the pilot’s ejection ensured there were no casualties.
The crash occurred approximately 100 km away from the ongoing mega war game ‘Bharat Shakti’ in the Pokhran desert, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top military officials. Reports suggest the Tejas jet was scheduled to participate in the exercise.
In the vicinity of the Kalla residential colony, Jaisalmer Additional Superintendent of Police Mahendra Singh confirmed no loss of property or human life. Eyewitnesses observed thick black smoke emanating from a single-storey brick structure where the aircraft crashed.
This incident marks the first time a Tejas jet has been involved in an accident. The Indian Air Force promptly issued a statement regarding the crash and announced a formal investigation through a court of inquiry.
Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the Tejas aircraft serves as a pivotal platform for air combat and offensive air support missions, with secondary roles including reconnaissance and anti-ship operations. With nearly 40 initial variant Tejas aircraft already inducted, they are slated to become the backbone of the Indian Air Force.
In February 2021, the defence ministry finalized a Rs 48,000 crore deal with HAL for the procurement of 83 Tejas MK-1A jets. Additionally, in November last year, the ministry granted initial approval for the procurement of an additional batch of 97 Tejas jets for the Indian Air Force.