In a recent incident, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas aircraft crashed near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, during an operational training sortie. The pilot managed to safely eject before the crash, averting any casualties. The crash, which occurred at a distance of approximately 100 kilometers from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in Pokhran, has sparked concerns regarding the safety of indigenous defense equipment.
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, a domestically manufactured supersonic aircraft, was a part of the 18th Squadron of the Indian Air Force. It had recently participated in the tri-services exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’ in Pokhran before the unfortunate incident.
One Tejas aircraft of the Indian Air Force 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.— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 12, 2024
A Court of Inquiry has been promptly ordered by the IAF to determine the cause behind the crash. While initial reports suggest engine failure as a potential cause, a comprehensive investigation is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the mishap.
Thankfully, there were no human casualties reported in the crash, as confirmed by Jaisalmer Additional Superintendent of Police, Mahendra Singh. However, a portion of a hostel building sustained damage due to the impact of the crash. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud sound as the aircraft made contact with the ground, followed by thick black smoke billowing from the scene.
Tejas crash site near to Modi’s Rally
This incident comes at a critical juncture, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’
s visit to Rajasthan for the tri-service exercise ‘Bharat Shakti.’ The exercise aimed to showcase the capabilities of various indigenous defense equipment, including the LCA Tejas, ALH Mk-IV, and mobile anti-drone systems, among others.
The crash serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with operational training activities, especially in the defense sector. Despite the setback, it underscores the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to stringent safety protocols in the development and deployment of indigenous defense technology.
As investigations into the incident progress, authorities are expected to implement necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring the safety and reliability of India’s defense capabilities.
The incident highlights the significance of ongoing efforts in bolstering indigenous defense manufacturing and the imperative of ensuring the utmost safety standards in operational deployments.
