Overview
- The Tejas Mk‑1 did not take part in the full‑dress rehearsal at Pokhran as the fleet underwent checks following an early‑February incident.
- PTI reports the IAF has temporarily grounded around 30 single‑seat Mk‑1 aircraft for detailed technical inspections before resuming operations.
- Multiple reports indicate the jet is unlikely to feature in the Feb. 27 Vayu Shakti display after its absence from rehearsals.
- HAL said there was no crash, describing the episode as a minor technical incident on the ground that is being examined with the IAF.
- Scrutiny of the programme has intensified after crashes in March 2024 and November 2025 and delays to 180 ordered Mk‑1A jets, with none from the 2021 contract delivered yet.