India Temporarily Grounds Tejas Fighter Jet Fleet Following Runway Incident

The Indian Air Force has suspended operations of its entire Tejas fighter jet squadron—comprising roughly 30 single-seat aircraft—after a mechanical failure caused one of these domestically produced jets to run off the runway at an air force base in early February. The aircraft, which experienced brake failure during the incident, sustained considerable damage and may require total replacement rather than repair. Most critically, the pilot executed a successful ejection, avoiding potential casualties. The decision to halt all Tejas operations underscores the Air Force’s commitment to safety and thorough technical evaluation.

The Incident: Understanding What Occurred

On February 7, a Tejas fighter jet encountered hydraulic brake malfunction while taxiing on the tarmac at an Indian air force installation. The aircraft’s compromised braking system caused it to skid laterally off the designated runway surface, resulting in extensive structural and mechanical damage. According to reports cited by Jin10, the severity of the damage has raised questions about whether the aircraft can be returned to service or must be decommissioned. However, the crew’s swift response and functional ejection systems prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.

Why This Matters: Tejas as India’s Defense Priority

The Tejas represents a cornerstone of India’s indigenous military aircraft program—a decades-long initiative to develop homegrown fighter capabilities without relying on foreign defense imports. Each aircraft in this fleet carries significant strategic and financial value, making the temporary suspension a consequential decision. The grounding, however, demonstrates institutional priorities: ensuring the reliability and safety of this critical defense asset takes precedence over maintaining flight schedules.

The Path Forward: Comprehensive Technical Review

The Air Force has initiated a detailed diagnostic protocol to inspect all 30 aircraft in the Tejas fighter jet fleet. Technicians will examine braking systems, hydraulic components, and related structural elements across the entire inventory. This systematic review aims to identify whether the February incident was an isolated mechanical anomaly or evidence of a broader systemic issue affecting multiple airframes. Only after thorough inspection and necessary repairs will India’s fighter jet operations resume.

Operational Impact and Recovery Timeline

While this temporary suspension will affect India’s immediate operational capabilities, it reflects a mature approach to military aviation safety. The Air Force prioritizes returning each fighter jet to full combat readiness over rushing them back to duty with unverified systems. Such preventive maintenance protocols are standard practice among advanced military aviations worldwide, and the Tejas program’s adherence to these standards reinforces India’s growing competence in indigenous defense manufacturing and operations.