IAF Tejas jet crashes during training sortie in Jaisalmer
An Indian Air Force (IAF) Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas crashed in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer on Tuesday during a routine training mission. Official sources said the solitary pilot ejected safely from the aircraft after it met with an accident.
In a statement, the IAF confirmed that one of its Tejas jets was involved in an accident at Jaisalmer while undertaking an operational training sortie. The force said the pilot managed to eject to safety.
An official informed that the IAF had ordered a Court of Inquiry to investigate the causes of the indigenous fighter jet’s crash. Courts of Inquiry are mandatory for all air accidents involving forces’ aircraft.
The Tejas is an indigenous lightweight multi-role supersonic fighter jet developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. While the IAF has inducted it, investigators will scrutinize Tuesday’s crash as part of the armed forces’ high priority on jet safety.
More details on the crash and the court of inquiry’s findings are awaited. This comes amid India’s push for self-reliance in defence through the mega ‘Make in India’ program.
