New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on Monday dismissed reports that a Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force suffered major damage. The company said there was no crash and termed the episode a minor ground incident.

In an official statement, HAL said, “HAL acknowledges the recent media reports on the LCA Tejas incident and wishes to provide factual clarification. There has been no reported crash of the LCA Tejas. The event in question was a minor technical incident on ground.”

The clarification came after media reports claimed that a Tejas jet overshot the runway at a frontline airbase on February 7 due to a suspected brake failure. The reports said the aircraft suffered major damage to its airframe and that the pilot ejected safely.

Safety record and review

HAL said the Tejas fighter has a strong safety record. “LCA Tejas maintains one of the world’s best safety records among contemporary fighter aircraft. As a standard operating procedure, the issue is being analysed in depth and HAL is working closely with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for a speedy resolution.”

The company said it is coordinating with the IAF to examine the incident and take corrective steps if required.

Past incidents involving Tejas

The Tejas fighter has faced incidents in the past. In March 2024, a Tejas jet crashed near Jaisalmer. In November 2025, another aircraft crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow.

The Tejas is a single engine, multi role fighter jet. It can perform air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike missions. The aircraft is designed to operate in high threat environments.

Orders and delivery delays

In February 2021, the Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 48,000 crore contract with HAL for 83 Tejas Mk 1A jets for the IAF. Deliveries have faced delays due to missed deadlines by GE Aerospace for supplying engines.

In September last year, the defence ministry signed another Rs 62,370 crore deal with HAL for 97 additional Tejas Mk 1A aircraft. The jet remains a key part of India’s plan to modernise the IAF fleet.