An Indian Air Force Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas jet crashed in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Tuesday during an operational training sortie. This marks the first incident of its kind involving the indigenously-built Tejas.
The pilot ejected safely before the impact. The Air Force released a brief statement confirming the incident: “One Tejas aircraft…met with an accident at Jaisalmer today during an operational training sortie. The pilot ejected safely. A Court of Inquiry has been constituted to find out the cause of the accident.”
Social media footage from the crash site shows thick black smoke billowing from the wreckage. Police are visible attempting to secure the area and move people away.
The crash occurred approximately 100 kilometers from the Pokhran desert, where a large-scale military exercise, “Bharat Shakti” is currently underway with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and high-ranking military officials in attendance.
Jaisalmer’s Additional Superintendent of Police, Mahendra Singh, informed PTI news agency that there were no civilian casualties or property damage from the crash near the Kalla residential colony.
Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-owned aerospace manufacturer, the Tejas is a multi-role fighter jet designed for air combat, offensive air support, reconnaissance, and anti-ship warfare. Tejas aircraft are envisioned as the backbone of the Indian Air Force, with nearly 40 initial variant models already inducted.
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