Software glitch ‘identified’ behind Tejas fighter jet crash
New Delhi: A software glitch has been identified as the cause of the February 7 mishap involving an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the glitch was in the plane’s onboard computer software. A new upgraded software is being tested, developed jointly by the IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The incident, which occurred during takeoff, resulted in the jet veering off the runway. Following the mishap, the IAF ordered exhaustive checks on the entire fleet of 35 Tejas jets, including metallurgy, electro-magnetic systems, and software.
This marks the third accident involving Tejas since its induction, raising concerns about the aircraft’s safety record. The IAF is conducting a Court of Inquiry, and HAL is working closely with them to resolve the issue.
The Tejas fleet includes 38 jets, with two lost to crashes, and 180 Tejas Mark 1A jets on order, deliveries of which are running two years behind schedule.
The frequent aerial mishaps have raised questions about the reliability and maintenance of the Tejas fleet, sparking fears about the IAF’s operational readiness.
