Tejas Aircraft: The entire Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) fighter jet fleet has been grounded by the Indian Air Force (IAF) after three crashes were reported in the last two years. The most recent crash happened in early February 2026 during a training sortie due to a technical glitch, and 30 single-seat Tejas aircraft have been withdrawn to carry out an intense technical probe. Many may believe that the Tejas is the first-ever India-made fighter jet. However, it is not.
Which Is The First India-Made Fighter Jet?
Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is India’s first indigenous supersonic fighter jet. Additionally, it is also the world’s lightest supersonic fighter jet. However, it is not the first fighter jet made by India. India’s first indigenous fighter jet program got success in the 1960s, and the HAL HF-24 Marut emerged as the first India-made fighter jet.
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HAL HF-24 Marut: The Legacy
The HAL HF-24 Marut took its first flight in 1961 and officially entered service with the Indian aircraft in 1967. The HF-24 Marut was powered by Orpheus 703 engines, and it had a top speed of 1,112 kilometres per hour. Additionally, the HF-24 Marut also became the first asian jet fighter that went past the test phase. The Marut served the Indian Air Force for 25 years, and it played a significant role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
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HAL HF-24 Marut: India’s First Step
The Tejas is considered the world’s lightest supersonic aircraft, and its roots can be traced back to HAL HF-24 Marut. The HF-24 Marut was developed with the motive to cross the supersonic speed. However, the plane was underpowered and couldn’t reach the speed of Mach 1. While it couldn’t reach the supersonic speed, India entered advanced aerospace, thanks to HF-24 Marut.