A Tejas aircraft belonging to the Indian Air Force crashed within the premises of a student hostel in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer during a routine training exercise. Fortunately, the pilot safely ejected, and no ground injuries were reported.

This marks the first crash involving the indigenous jet since its inaugural test flight 23 years ago, back in 2001. Introduced into the Indian Air Force in 2016, the Tejas serves as a light combat aircraft.

The incident occurred near the Lakshmi Chand Sanwal Colony in Jaisalmer around 2 pm. The Air Force promptly launched an inquiry into the crash. “One Tejas aircraft of the Indian Air Force was involved in an accident in Jaisalmer today during an operational training sortie. The pilot ejected safely. A Court of Inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the accident,” stated the Indian Air Force.

Although the aircraft caught fire post-crash, it has since been extinguished. However, it remains unclear whether the plane was part of ongoing military exercises in Rajasthan.

An eyewitness recounted the event, stating, “I was nearby when the pilot ejected, and I witnessed the parachute opening. The aircraft crashed onto the ground with a loud explosion.”

The No. 45 Squadron, dubbed the ‘Flying Daggers,’ became the first IAF unit to incorporate the Tejas in 2016, followed by the No. 18 Squadron in 2020.

Presently, the Indian Air Force operates 40 Tejas MK-1 aircraft, with an additional order of 83 Tejas MK-1A fighters valued at over ₹46,000 crore. Last November, the Defence Acquisition Council granted preliminary approval for the acquisition of an additional 97 Tejas planes for the force.