New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has ordered routine maintenance checks on over 30 TEJAS light combat aircraft following a recent ground incident that involved one jet overshooting a runway during a training sortie. These precautionary checks are aimed at ensuring aircraft safety and operational readiness while the reasons behind the runway event are thoroughly investigated by officials.
Background of TEJAS Routine Maintenance Checks
Earlier this month, a TEJAS Mk-1 aircraft reportedly overshot the runway while taking off from a forward Indian Air Force base. Initial reports suggest a suspected brake issue, though official confirmation from the IAF or aircraft manufacturer is not yet available.
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The pilot sustained injuries but survived the event.
Reason Behind TEJAS Routine Maintenance Checks
In response to the Tejas runaway incident, the IAF has initiated routine maintenance checks on more than 30 Tejas jets currently in service. This follows standard aviation safety procedures after any unusual technical event involving military aircraft. The intent is to identify any potential technical irregularities across the fleet before normal flight operations resume.
These checks are believed to include detailed examinations of landing gear systems, braking mechanisms, hydraulics, and flight-control software, among other critical components.
HAL Clarifies: ‘Minor Technical Incident’
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) — the manufacturer of the Tejas fighter — has publicly stated that the incident was a “minor technical issue on the ground” and not a crash. The company reaffirmed that Tejas jets maintain a strong safety record among contemporary fighter aircraft and that the issue was being analysed jointly with the Indian Air Force.
HAL’s clarification was aimed at calming concerns being reported in some media outlets and reassuring defence stakeholders about the aircraft’s performance and reliability.
Tejas Program and Recent Challenges
The Tejas LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) is India’s indigenous fighter jet program designed and developed by HAL and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). Tejas has been inducted into several IAF squadrons and is central to India’s long-term air power modernization plans.
This is not the first time the program has faced operational challenges — previous incidents have included other ground and air events involving the type — which underscores the need for careful inspections after any unexpected occurrence.
What Happens Next?
The exact timeline for the completion of these maintenance checks has not been disclosed by the IAF. However, such checks typically continue until engineers and investigators can rule out systemic faults or identify corrective action plans.
Authority sources say that once the fleet is cleared, Tejas jets will slowly return to regular operations. Meanwhile, the Board of Inquiry and technical teams from the IAF and HAL continue to examine the root cause of the initial runway incident.
