The first crash of Tejas fighter jet.

In the first such incident since its first test flight in 2001, a Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) of the IAF crashed near a residential area in Jaisalmer, around 1400 hrs, yesterday. The pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft before the crash and there were no casualties.

A court of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident, said IAF sources. The accident happened when the indigenously built fighter jet was returning to the Jaisalmer air base after taking part in the Bharat Shakti military exercise in Pokhran.

Jaisalmer is roughly 100 km away from the exercise venue in Pokhran. The aircraft crashed into a five-room hostel for the Bhil community in Jawahar Nagar near Jaisalmer. There were three students in the hostel compound at the time of the crash but they were unhurt as the fighter jet damaged one of the rooms.

It is set to replace the ageing squadrons of MiG fighter jets and become the mainstay of the force in the coming years. It is significant as the sanctioned IAF combat squadrons are 42 but it has come down to around 30. A squadron in the IAF comprises 16-18 aircraft.

Currently, the IAF has two operational Tejas squadrons. The first IAF Squadron to induct the Tejas was No.45 Squadron, the Flying Daggers in Jul 2018. Flying Bullets, raised in 2020, is the second squadron.

Manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics, the aircraft is a potent platform for air combat and air support missions.

Courtesy. Rajesh Asnani and Mayank in the NIE.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 3, thanks to Lekha's cellphone alarm, the chores and we were ready by a half past 5. Set off for toothy Mallan's clinic soon after.

Breakfast was at Ananda Bhavan at 7. Reached the clinic by a half past 9. Lekha will have to visit next Tuesday also. Scaling was done on my teeth.

Returned to The Quarterdeck by a half past 5 but not before initiating the acquisition of the white lace curtains and the buying of fruits.