Tejas Aircraft Crashes near Jaisalmer, no casualties reported
A Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) belonging to the Indian Air Force crashed near a residential area in Jaisalmer on Tuesday. The incident occurred as the aircraft was returning from a tri-services military exercise in the Pokhran desert, marking the first accident involving the indigenous single-engine jet since its inception in 2001. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported.
Pilot Safe, Investigation Underway
The pilot managed to eject safely from the aircraft, and a court of inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the crash, as stated by the Indian Air Force in a brief statement. The crash occurred approximately 100 km from the Pokhran desert in Rajasthan, where a significant military exercise named 'Bharat Shakti' was being observed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top military officials.
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
Tejas' Role in the Exercise
The Tejas aircraft, part of the IAF's No 18 squadron or 'Flying Bullets', had been actively involved in the war game, showcasing its operational capabilities alongside two other Tejas jets. Sources suggest that the aircraft was returning to the Jaisalmer air base after participating in a formation flight.
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No Human Casualties
Authorities confirmed that there were no human casualties in the crash. Although a portion of a hostel building suffered damage, fortunately, no one was inside at the time of the incident.
Swift Response and Pilot's Condition
Emergency services promptly responded to the crash site, managing to extinguish the flames. The pilot was immediately taken to a hospital, where medical professionals confirmed their stable condition.
Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the Tejas aircraft has been a significant asset for the Indian Air Force, serving multiple roles including air combat, offensive air support, reconnaissance, and anti-ship operations. The aircraft project, initiated in 1984, finally saw fruition in 2011 when it was declared fit to fly.
Future of Tejas
Despite occasional technical challenges, the Tejas remains a pivotal part of the IAF's fleet. Plans for its expansion include a significant procurement deal with HAL, as well as interest from several other countries, including Nigeria, the Philippines, Argentina, and Egypt, for potential acquisitions.
The incident underscores the importance of ongoing safety measures and investigations to ensure the continued reliability and effectiveness of indigenous defence technology.
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