New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet of 34 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is set to resume flight operations next week following a two-month grounding. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil confirmed on Thursday that a ‘local modification committee’ has successfully rectified a software glitch in the braking system that caused a jet to veer off a runway in February. The fix was jointly reviewed and cleared by the IAF, HAL, and the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) after exhaustive checks into the aircraft’s metallurgy and electro-magnetic systems.
While the existing fleet returns to the skies, the delivery of the more advanced Tejas Mark 1A remains a critical focus. Chairman Sunil noted that 20 Mark 1A jets are currently ready for induction, pending final tests of their radar software and missile-firing systems. However, a significant bottleneck remains: the supply of F404 engines from U.S.-based General Electric (GE). Out of the required shipsets, only five engines have been delivered so far. A comprehensive project review scheduled for May is expected to clear the path for the first batch of deliveries to the IAF.
The IAF has placed a massive order for 180 Tejas Mark 1A jets to replace its aging fleet, though the program is currently running approximately two years behind its original schedule. The February 7 accident, in which a pilot sustained injuries after his jet veered into a mud-ditch at a forward base, was the third major incident for the indigenous fighter since its 2016 induction. Previous accidents include a 2024 crash near Jaisalmer and a tragic 2025 incident at the Dubai Airshow that claimed the life of Wing Commander Namansh Syal.
The successful software upgrade and the upcoming May review represent a vital turning point for the LCA program as India seeks to bolster its western front capabilities. With the “glitch” identified as an onboard computer error rather than a structural failure, HAL and the IAF are moving forward with increased scrutiny on digital flight controls. The return to flight next week will be closely monitored as the IAF continues its formal Court of Inquiry into the February mishap to ensure long-term operational safety for the indigenous fleet.
