Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has formally denied media reports claiming that a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas crashed earlier this month. In a filing to the stock exchanges and a statement shared on X, the company clarified that there has been no crash and described the episode as a “minor technical incident on ground.” The clarification was submitted to both the BSE and NSE.
HAL stated that while it acknowledges recent media coverage, the aircraft remains intact and the incident was confined to ground operations. The company did not disclose specific technical details but emphasized that the situation has been handled as per established protocols.
Earlier reports said that a Tejas aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) sustained major airframe damage after overshooting the runway at a frontline airbase on February 7. The aircraft was reportedly returning from a training sortie when it encountered a suspected brake failure, leading to a runway excursion. According to sources cited in the report, the pilot ejected safely and escaped uninjured. The location of the airbase was not disclosed.
HAL, however, maintained that the occurrence was a minor ground technical issue and not a crash. The company said that, as part of standard operating procedure, the matter is being analysed in depth. HAL is working closely with the Indian Air Force to ensure a speedy resolution and to maintain high safety and availability standards for the fleet.
HAL underscored that the LCA Tejas maintains one of the world’s best safety records among contemporary fighter aircraft. The aircraft has been in service since 2015 and is designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency. It is manufactured by HAL and serves as a single-engine, multi-role fighter capable of air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike missions. The IAF currently operates 30 Tejas jets.
The February 7 episode comes amid references to two earlier accidents. The first occurred near Jaisalmer in March 2024. The second took place in November 2025 during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow, in which the pilot lost his life. If counted, the recent episode would mark the third incident involving Tejas aircraft since 2024.
Despite HAL’s clarification, defence stocks came under selling pressure on February 23. The Nifty India Defence index fell over 1% to hit an intraday low of 8,010 on the NSE. Shares of HAL declined 3.47%, while Cyient DLM dropped 2.97% and Bharat Dynamics fell 2.66%.
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