NEW DELHI — A Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during landing after a routine training sortie, marking the third major accident involving the indigenous aircraft programme. Officials confirmed on Sunday that the pilot ejected safely and did not suffer serious injuries.

The aircraft sustained extensive damage and is likely to be declared unserviceable. The incident has prompted the IAF to order a high-level court of inquiry to determine the cause, while a fleet-wide technical inspection of all operational Tejas jets has also been initiated.

According to officials, the crash occurred during standard flying operations. Emergency procedures were followed, and the pilot activated the ejection system before impact. Response teams secured the area shortly after the incident.

The aircraft was among 32 single-seat Tejas jets delivered to the Air Force by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-run aerospace manufacturer leading India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme. The Tejas is designed to replace aging aircraft and strengthen the IAF’s combat fleet as part of a broader modernisation effort.

The latest accident comes as the Air Force awaits deliveries of the upgraded Tejas Mark 1A variant. The IAF has placed orders for 180 Tejas aircraft to address squadron shortages, although production timelines have experienced delays.

This is the third significant accident involving the platform in recent years. In March 2024, a Tejas aircraft crashed near Jaisalmer, with the pilot ejecting safely. Another Tejas was lost during the Dubai Air Show in November 2025, resulting in the pilot’s death.

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The ongoing inquiry is expected to examine flight data, mechanical performance and operational factors to determine the cause of the latest crash and recommend measures aimed at preventing similar incidents.