Back In The Skies: Tejas Fleet Set To Fly Again After Two-Month-Long Hiatus

Last Updated:April 08, 2026, 11:36 IST

The indigenously developed LCA Tejas is set to resume flight operations on Wednesday, following a two-month-long hiatus.

In what is seen as a milestone for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the indigenously developed LCA Tejas is set to resume flight operations on Wednesday, following a two-month-long hiatus.

The fleet was grounded in early February this year after a Tejas aircraft experienced a technical issue during a landing incident.

Earlier, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) CMD D K Sunil underlined that a technical issue flagged in the aircraft had been resolved, adding the fleet will soon start flying.

“There was a technical issue, which has been discussed and committees are working on it. It was discussed in a local modification committee (LMC). Good news is that Tejas, the LMC is done. So, we expect that by Wednesday the fleet will start flying."

After the February incident, the HAL had said it was “not a crash" but “a minor technical issue on the ground".

Experts opine while the incidents have raised eyebrows, the aircraft has logged over 50,000 safe flying hours prior to 2024. Recent accidents the plane suffered remain under technical review.

Recent Incidents That Came Under Scrutiny 

In view of the recent conflict with Pakistan — during ‘Operation Sindoor’ — it is vital for India to sustain and strengthen the Tejas squadrons.

However, the programme drew a massive scrutiny after several accidents in a brief period of time. In February 2026, a hard landing during a training flight caused serious damage to the aircraft, forcing the pilot to eject.

In 2024, there was a crash due to an engine fuel-feed problem. Moreover, a high-risk show-flight accident at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025 resulted in the death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal.

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