India Grounds its Entire Tejas Fleet After Serious Incident
The Indian Air Force has temporarily grounded all 35 indigenously manufactured Tejas fighter jets currently in service following a recent serious runway incident. The decision comes as authorities initiate a comprehensive technical inspection of the fleet, sparked by a single-seat Tejas aircraft skidding off the runway during takeoff from a forward base on India’s western front.
Sources report that the jet reportedly veered into a nearby mud-filled ditch while accelerating to takeoff speed at an excessive 170 kilometers per hour. The pilot was injured in this incident.
According to reports, Indian authorities are investigating the cause of the accident but have not yet determined it fully. As a precautionary measure, the fleet has been ordered for detailed examination.
This marks the third significant incident involving a Tejas aircraft since its induction into the Indian Air Force in 2016, following previous accidents including another Tejas jet crashing during training in Jaisalmer in March this year and an accident claiming the life of a Wing Commander during the Dubai Airshow in November.
Such incidents have raised concerns about the reliability and maintenance standards of India’s domestically produced fighter jets. The grounding of the entire fleet underlines these worries, highlighting the need for thorough checks before resuming operations.