In Rajasthan’s Pokhran, an Indian Air Force Tejas light combat aircraft crashed shortly after participating in a tri-services exercise demonstrating India’s defense self-reliance. This is the first Tejas crash since its induction into the IAF in July 2016. On Tuesday, the pilot successfully ejected before the crash near Jaisalmer, and a Court of Inquiry was launched to investigate the cause.
Witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior defense officials, the Tejas took part in the Bharat Shakti exercise, where it performed with various Indian-made military hardware, including helicopters, tanks, and artillery guns. The exercise showcased the military’s integrated live fire capabilities and the country’s progress in self-reliant defense technology.
Highlighting the importance of self-reliance in his speech, Modi spoke of the Indian arms production success, ranging from fighter jets to missile systems. The induction of the Tejas aircraft into the IAF is part of a broader modernization effort, with a current order for 83 Mk-1A fighters and more expected purchases, totaling around 350 LCAs. The Tejas program designs include advanced Mk-1A and Mk-2 variants and are part of strategic deployment plans, especially in the western sector close to Pakistan.
A video of the crash showed the moment of the pilot’s ejection using zero-zero ejection seats, designed for safe escape even from stationary or low-speed altitudes. These seats are a vital component of the ‘Egress’ system, assuring the successful parachute deployment and safety of pilots. The Tejas program has been crucial for IAF, providing not only combat jets but also training aircraft, with the first Mk-1 trainer version handed over in October 2023.